VOLLEYBALL SPORT SHORTS, 2011–
(For the previous game, check out the Volleyball sport shorts: Alpaugh (VIDEO). For more information on FCS sports, visit the Fresno Christian Athletics Web page.)

Check out the 2011 schedule and stay up to date with stats and standings at Maxpreps’ Eagles’ volleyball home page. FC finished 9-5 and 6-2 in the West Sequoia League as of Nov. 8.

VOLLEYBALL, 2011

SEASON END

CRUSADERS TOP FC, 3-1–Nov. 9
The No. 4 Eagles played the No. 1 seeded Kings Christian Crusaders for the second round of playoffs, Nov. 9, after coming off of their 3-0 playoff win over No. 5 Aplaugh. The team who won would then go on to play for the DV Valley Championship game against the winner of Sierra Pacific at Minarets, Nov. 9.

During the first two sets FC struggled and lost, 25-14, 25-20. However, they rallied back in the third set to push it into three match points and catch Kings Christian off guard, 29-27. Despite winning the third set, the Crusaders refused to be defeated and won the last game, 25-13.

“After we won the third game I thought we had a chance to actually win,” Katelyn Miller, ’12, said, “but we gave up at least ten points in the beginning of the fourth. Us winning just fired up Kings more and we let down.”

Senior Allison Camden, who had three kills and 10 assists, says their main problem in the game was Kings Christian’s Morghan Williams, ’12, as she had 27 total kills.

“I think one of the bad things we did was play scared,” Camden said. “Everyone was scared to play defense against No. 4 [Williams} who’s really tall and good. The lack of confidence and aggressiveness was just really not good.”

Despite the loss, head coach Jeff MacNeil says that he is proud of the girls for finishing the season strong and gives credit to all of their supporters.

“With the combined efforts and supports FC, our team played in an environment that allowed them to bring their best to the table everyday,” MacNeil said. So, looking back on the season, I am honored to have had the chance to train compete with this team. As thier coach, I asked a lot from them, but every practice and game they brought their best attitude and ability.”

Junior libero, Kristen Rosenthal had two aces along with eight digs, and says she was disappointed their journey to the Valley Championship was derailed this early.

“I was really mad that we lost, but we tried our best to win,” Rosenthal said. “So I am going to take all the skills that I learned this year onto next season so I don’t repeat the same mistakes.”

According to sophomore Annaleah Madison, winning the third set was the highlight of the game. She also says that with the help of the two seniors, the team was able to come this far.

“I like how we did not give up as we won the third set and kept going no matter what the result was going to be,” Madison said. “I really appreciate having Katelyn and Allison on the team because they are a big part. I am sad that they aren’t coming back next year but my teammates and I learned so much from them.”

The leader for the FC on the offensive side was Miller, who had ten kills. She says prior to the year she was unsure of how they would fare in league, but as it continued her expectations were exceeded.

“In the beginning of the season I thought we weren’t going to do very good, so I wasn’t really expecting much,” Miller said. “But as the season went on I wanted to win league more than anything and if we hadn’t lost to Riverdale we would’ve had league. Then we would’ve been seeded higher for playoffs and done better, but overall I was happy because I didn’t think we were going to do that well.”

FC’s final stats for the year were headed up by Miller with 215 kills, Camden with 197 assists, Rosenthal with 110 digs and Madison with 35 blocks.

FC finished 9-5 and 6-2 in the West Sequoia League as of Nov. 8.