VOLLEYBALL SPORT SHORTS, 2010–
(Latest volleyball shorts will be at the top of the section. Scroll down to check out past results. Tournament games and scrimmages do not count toward win/loss record. Visit the Sports Section for volleyball features.)

Check out the 2010 schedule, stats and standings at Maxpreps girls’ volleyball home page. Also check out the Fall sports box scores, 2010 for all match results. The Eagles finished 24-12 overall (in tournaments only 14-8-0) and 8-0 in the West Sequoia League.

The three seniors, Ashlyn White, Cassidy Hutchins and Emily Schoettler are ranked in the top 40 for assists, aces and kills, according to Maxpreps stat leaders in California as of Nov. 17. White is currently ranked 30th for total number of assists and assists per-game. Hutchins is currently ranked 36th in total number of aces and aces per-game. Schoettler is currently ranked 36th in total number of kills and kills per-game.

The Eagles are also currently ranked No. 2 in Division V, according to the Fresno Bee Girls’ Volleyball rankings as of Nov. 2.

VOLLEYBALL, 2010

END SEASON

EAGLES DEFEATED AT HOME TO TRAILBLAZERS, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA REGIONAL PLAYOFFS–Nov. 23
As the No. 4 seed, FC hosted the No. 5 Sierra Canyon Trailblazers, for the first round of state playoffs. However, the Eagles failed to come out with intensity as Sierra Canyon took control, to win all three games, 3-0, (25-23, 26-24, 25-16), Nov. 23.

FC took the first five points in the match, leading, 5-1, but the Trailblazers answered back with a rally of their own to take back the lead. Senior Emily Schoettler says in warm-ups prior to the game, they lacked motivation and a little too over confident.

“We came into this game like ‘oh we’re fine, they’re fifth seed, we’re fourth and we’ll probably win’,” Schoettler said. “When we started playing I felt like we didn’t want it real bad. That’s kinda sad that we didn’t give it 100%, but oh well.”

Sierra Canyon’s, Kierra Hill, ’14, who had numerous kills throughout the game, says they worked hard every day in practice to get to this point. Also, when they went down, 5-1, in the beginning she says they rallied around each other to take in one point at a time.

“We really wanted to win this game,” Hill said. “We worked on our passing a lot because it was really bad the last game. We were also talking and encouraging each other saying ‘lets get point one, point two, point three’ and we all went hard for every ball.”

Senior Cassidy Hutchins says she is pleased they were able to accomplish going undefeated in league, but the fact that they came up short once again at valley is discouraging.

“I’m really glad we won league undefeated because that’s the first time we’ve done that while I’ve been around,” Hutchins said. “Definitely disappointed though in losing to Kings. This year our team also had a lot of potential that we didn’t really reach.”

Despite ending on a loss, Hutchins says the year was overall enjoyable as her and the team always had fun together.

“The team was so much fun,” Hutchins said. “When we got together we would have so much fun and laugh and we just had great camaraderie. But it didn’t translate all the way to the court, I don’t know why it didn’t, but oh well.”

Head coach David Tatum, who will not be returning next year as he now has a job in Vacaville, CA, as a worship pastor. He says he feels honored to have coached them and had the opportunity to seem them grow as a team and individuals.

“I am sad to be at the end of the season because I have enjoyed coaching these girls so much over the past two years,” Tatum said. “I have seen them grow into incredible women and volleyball players and I am so proud of who they are becoming. My girls have taught me so much, hopefully I have done the same as a coach.”

Stats unavailable for this game.

2010 Fresno Christian Volleyball Slideshow from David Tatum on Vimeo.

VALLEY CHAMPIONSHIP, EAGLES GO FOUR GAMES, LOSE AT KINGS CHRISTIAN–Nov. 16
The Eagles traveled to play Kings Christian in Lemoore for the CIF DV valley championship game. The Crusaders struck first and won, 25-19, but FC answered back with a 25-14 win. However, Kings Christian slowly slipped away from FC’s grip and ended up winning the next two games, 25-23, 25-20, and ultimately, 3-1, Nov. 16.

FC was led by seniors Ashlyn White, who had 30 assists, and Emily Schoettler, who had 16 kills. White says the major contrast between their last season win over the Crusaders, 3-2, (24-26, 19-25, 25-16, 25-23, 15-8), Nov. 10, and this season is Kings Christian’s No. 11, Morghan Williams, ’12.

“I think the difference between this year ad last year was No. 11 for Kings,” White said. “She definitely improved from last year; she would hit from the right side and from the middle, she also did a good job of containing Emily. Overall I am proud of this season and the girls.”

Williams tallied up 19 kills and several blocks for her team throughout the four games. She says they trained all year for this game, and it proved to be one of the best games they have played all season.

“Well we knew you guys [FC] were a lot better this year and we picked up on some things we didn’t last year,” Williams said. “We watched tape and prepared all year for this game and I think that helped us a lot. We came out very intense in the beginning and usually it takes us a while to build up, but this time we came out strong.”

Head coach David Tatum says even though it was rough to lose a game they have been anticipating for so long, making it to valley two years in a row is proof enough that they are still a solid team.

“I think the girls and I are all heartbroken because we all felt like this was the year to bring home the valley championship, which has never been done,” Tatum said. “At the same time we have to keep our heads high and realize that before last year no FC team had ever made it to a valley championship or to the state playoffs and we have done that two years in a row now.”

The Eagles will next host Sierra Canyon for the Southern California regional playoff at 7 p.m., Nov. 23.

FC DEFEATS LATON, NEXT FACE KINGS AT VALLEY–Nov. 10
After going undefeated in league, 8-0, the Eagles hosted the Laton Mustangs for playoffs. The Mustangs did not prove to be much of a challenge however as they cruised to a 3-0 win, Nov. 10. With the victory they will travel to play Kings Christian Crusaders for the DV valley championship game, Nov. 16.

In the preseason, the Eagles took on Laton in a scrimmage and defeated them, 3-0, Aug. 25. With this in mind, senior Emily Schoettler, who had 11 kills, says they knew they had a good chance at winning and move on to valley.

“Well we’ve already played them before so we were like ‘we better beat this team’,” Schoettler said. “So we came out, played our hardest and no matter what we wanted to go to valley. I’m just excited to go to valley and I hope we do well.”

Junior libero, Allison Camden, says the only thing that could have inhibited their success was getting to cocky before the game.

“We knew that we had the potential to beat them because we beat them once before,” Camden said. “But we couldn’t underestimate them because then we would play down. So once we came out on top the first game our mentality was really high and we were able to pull through all three games.”

In the Caruthers Harvest Raisin tournament, the Eagles lost, 2-0, (25-24, 25-21) to Kings Christian, but FC also did not have Katelyn Miller, ’12, and so many of the players were in new positions, Sept. 4. Despite this, Camden feels the team has a good chance at taking a win against the Crusaders.

“I think we have a chance because I know we all really want it,” Camden said. “We want to win valley and beat Kings. So hopefully our passion can come through and that can help us win.”

The Eagles will next travel to play Kings Christian for the DV valley championship game, Nov. 16.

EAGLES PUT UP SENIOR NIGHT WIN–Nov. 4
FC hosted the Parlier Panthers for the last game of the season, senior night. If the Eagles won, they would clinch first in league, going 8-0. They seized the opportunity and defeated the Panthers, 3-0, (25-11, 25-13, 25-17), Nov. 4.

The Eagles have three seniors on their roster, Emily Schoettler, Cassidy Hutchins and Ashlyn White. Schoettler who had 12 kills, says the night was enjoyable, especially with a win over Parlier.

“It was really exciting and it was fun to Play Parlier because we beat them,” Schoettler said. “It’s still sad and I was emotional when the game started, but I was just real glad we finished undefeated and had a good season.”

Hutchins who has played in the FC volleyball program for four years, says she is going to miss the game.

“It’s really bittersweet for me because putting it in perspective I’ve played in this gym the last four years,” Hutchins said, “and it’s hard to realize that this is my last home league game ever. I’m not really going to play after high school so it’s just bitter sweet.”

As a captain on the team, White still is saddened by it being her last league game, but anticipates playoffs and the valley championship game.

“It was sad, but it’s also not that sad because I know we’re going to be going on and hopefully get more home games depending on how we’re seeded,” White said. “I’m really proud of the girls and we’ve worked really hard and we will continue to work hard for playoffs and valley.”

Head coach David Tatum says it is always hard to watch his seniors play the last league game, but they still have playoffs.

“Tonight was fun to watch all three of my seniors play,” Tatum said. “My three senior girls have been with me for the past two years and they have been such a joy to coach. I will miss them greatly, however its not over yet.”

The Eagles will next host Laton at home for the first round of playoffs, Nov. 10.

FC FIGHTS BACK TO TAKE 3-2 WIN–Nov. 2
The Eagles took on the Fowler Redcats at home, but Fowler caught FC flat footed, winning the first two games, 2-0, (25-21, 25-13). The Redcats were one win away from clinching the match, but the Eagles put a string of points together, coming back, to win, 25-18. They pulled through to win the next two games, 25-14, 15-10, and ultimately tacking on a win, 3-2, Nov. 2.

Junior libero, Allison Camden, who had 13 digs, could be heard through out most of the game encouraging her teammates.

“Everyone pulled through and we started to get the passion we needed,” Camden said. “After the we lost the first two games we just realized we wanted it so bad and we just pulled through. I kept telling the team don’t give up on anything because if we fight hard through every ball we’re going to get it and win.”

The Eagles rallied around Emily Schoettler, ’11, who had 27 kills and Katelyn Miller, ’12, with 12 kills to make their comeback. Miller says they walked on to the court a little over confident and when Fowler won two games it caught them off guard.

“We thought we had it in the bag so we didn’t play as hard as we should of,” Miller said. “After we lost the first two games we came together, saying the things we needed to do and that we needed to win.”

Miller also says this game proves their capability of coming back from any kind of point deficit.

“When we have games like this it melds our team together and that we can bring ourselves out of the deepest holes,” Miller said. “If we just take it one point at a time and play our best and our hardest.”

The Eagles will next host Parlier at home on senior night, Nov. 4.

EAGLES SHUTOUT RAIDERS–Oct. 28
FC hosted the Caruthers Raiders and continued their winning streak to beat them, 3-0, (25-19, 25-19, 25-15), Oct. 28.

Senior Cassidy Hutchins says the team tended to celebrate a point before the whistle was blown and the other team would knock the ball back over and then have to scramble to make the dig. Also, Hutchins says they made a decision to play scrappy and go for every ball.

“I think we played well because we took it to them and didn’t play down to their level at all,” Hutchins said. “We played to the whistle because they play real scrappy. So our goal was to out scrap them and we did that pretty well, eliminating our mistakes.”

Head coach David Tatum felt Caruther made an improvement from their previous encounter, Oct. 12, which caught the Eagles off-guard.

“The girls played well tonight,” Tatum said. “Caruthers actually surprised us a little with some strong blocks and defense, but we handled it well though. The seniors were excited to play our rivals on their turf for the last time.”

The Eagles will next host Fowler at home, Nov. 2.

FC ROLLS OVER TRANQUILLITY–Oct. 26
The Eagles traveled to the home of the Tranquillity Tigers for a non-league game and defeated them all three games, 3-0, (25-7, 25-17, 25-14), Oct. 26.

Junior Amanda Merzon was unable to play because of illness and so coach David Tatum brought up Annaleah Madison, ’13, to play on the varsity squad. Madison had three kills and two aces; she will also play Thursday against Caruthers, Oct. 28.

“It was harder,” Madison said, “but the varsity girls are like one big family and they’re very welcoming and fun to play with. Playing front line for JV I don’t get to block a lot, but for varsity we made a lot of blocks. All the girls are so nice and you get to play a lot more then on JV and there’s a lot more competition.”

FC was led by Emily Schoettler, ’11, with 21 kills, Katelyn Miller had 15 kills along with nine aces by Cassidy Hutchins, ’11, scoring 12 points straight.

The Eagles will next travel to play Caruthers, Oct. 28.

EAGLES OVERPOWER RIVERDALE–Oct. 21
In FC’s last meeting with Riverdale, the Cowboys forced play into five games, but lost to the Eagles, 3-2, Oct. 5. However, in their next match-up, the Eagles found little opposition and beat them, 3-0, Oct. 21.

The Eagles cruised through the first two matches winning, 25-11, and, 25-16, but in the third match, Riverdale took and early, 14-6, lead. Coach David Tatum called a time-out, reorganized the team and sent them back out. They went back out and regained their lead to win, 25-16.

Senior Emily Schoettler, who had 22 kills, says surprisingly, practice the day before did not go so well. However, they put this behind and came out with intensity.

“Our practice on Wednesday was terrible,” Schoettler said. “We came out with a different mentality than in practice though. So regardless of that we were fired up and beat them.”

Tatum says the team wanted to put Riverdale away quick compared to the last time and according to him, they did.

“The girls were out for a little restoration after the last time we played Riverdale,” Tatum said. “The girls were pumped up and ready to let Riverdale know that they were in our house! The girls started very well right of the bat, which we haven’t done all that well this year.”

The Eagles will next travel to play Tranquillity, Oct. 26.

FC SHUTS OUT PARLIER–Oct. 19
The Eagles were on the road to play the Parlier Panthers
and cruised on through to beat them, 3-0, (25-6, 25-9, 25-14), Oct. 19.

Junior outside hitter, Katelyn Miller, who put up six kills and one ace, says the team came out with power and concentration to defeat the Panthers in 45 minutes.

“In all three games we kept up our intensity and focus to put them away really fast,” Miller said. “I thought we kept it because we had been practicing that and we were also kind of mad. We wanted to put the team away and play to our full potential.”

Head coach David Tatum felt the girls played a good game and enjoyed the match.

“My overall impression was that we played well,” Tatum said. “Its tough for the team to get excited and play their volleyball when we play teams that don’t give us as much of a challenge. I thought the girls played well though and had fun tonight.”

The Eagles will next play Riverdale and in their last match-up, FC struggled in the first few games to force it into five games, but they still won, 3-2. Miller says she hopes not to repeat their previous performance, but knock them out, 3-0.

“We’re all pretty bitter about the game against Riverdale,” Miller said, “and we’re going to come out and beat them because we’re all pretty mad.”

The Eagles will next host Riverdale at home, Oct. 21.

EAGLES KNOCK OFF FOWLER, 3-1–Oct. 14
FC came out with a slow start as the Fowler Redcats beat them the first match, 25-23, but the Eagles jumped back to sweep the next three games, winning, 3-1, (23-25, 25-18, 25-13, 25-21), Oct. 14.

Senior Emily Schoettler, says the team came out sluggish in the first match, but revved up in the second through fourth games.

“I was really mad because I was like, ‘are we seriously losing’ because they’re not that good of a team,” Schoettler said. “We came out the second game though and we beat them 25-18, and after that I felt we could win no problem. I’m not sure why we did so bad the first game, but I think we were out of it mentally and once we got to the second game all of us were so mad that we just started to play really well.”

Schoettler, who accounted for 33 of the Eagles points, 31 of them kills, says she is not completely sure what she does to put up so many kills, but seems to find a zone in the game.

“My coach [David Tatum] tells me there’s probably something that clicks in my head when I start playing,” Schoettler said. “I think I get mad or angry because I did really bad in the first game, but in the second through fourth game I started hitting really good. I don’t understand how I do it really, but I just get in the zone and I get so into hitting, it just becomes like second nature.”

Tatum says their style of setting the ball high and then making the kill appears simple to block by other teams, but no one yet has been able to accomplish this task.

“We have had teams think that it will be easy to block against us because we have sort of been a team that has set the ball higher than normal,” Tatum said. “None of that matters when Emily [Schoettler] of Katelyn [Miller, ’12,] hits the ball over the block and puts it away like that.”

The Eagles will next travel to play Parlier, Oct. 19.

FC OUSTS CARUTHERS, HOME TURF–Oct. 12
Although Caruthers kept the score close in the first two games, the Eagles edged over them in each match as they won, 3-0, (25-17, 25-19, 25-9), Oct. 12.

Senior Ashlyn White, who had been out the past two games due to a knee injury, but arrived back on the court against Caruthers, says her knee felt good during the game.

“I hadn’t worked out for five days before this game, so I was wondering if I’d be in shape for the game, but I was fine,” White said. “Even though I did get hurt it was better than last year when I got hurt in playoffs so I guess it worked out for the better.”

Prior to beginning the game, White encouraged the team and wanted to take back the game they lost on senior night last season.

“Well I just reminded the girls that they [Caruthers] took our senior night away from us last year,” White said, “so we weren’t going to let that happen again.”

Head coach David Tatum felt the team excelled in their serving which helped win the game overall.

“I think what I was most impressed with tonight is the teams serving,” Tatum said. “We have been working all year with making our serves attacks on the ball and not just a time where we have to get the ball over the net for the other team to play offense. The girls served excellent tonight.”

The Eagles will next travel to play Fowler, Oct. 14.

EAGLES ROLL OVER TRANQUILLITY–Oct. 7
Despite playing without senior Ashlyn White due to her injury, the Eagles rallied together, defeating the Tranquillity Tigers, 3-0, Oct. 7.

Early in the first game, Allison Camden, ’12, dove for a ball, but tripped over Cassidy Hutchins, 11, and knocked her head on the floor. Camden then sat out for the rest of the first game and coach David Tatum decided to play with five players instead of the usual six.

“When Allison came out I made the coaching decision to play with five girls,” Tatum said, “I could of put Logan [Rood, ’13,] in, but I felt it was best to stick with the five girls. I was really proud that the girls could play with five on the court and finish out strong.”

Even without Camden, the Eagles won the first game, 25-6. She then returned to the court at the start of the second game and stayed in throughout the entirety of the game. She was still able to put up four kills and three digs in all three games.

In the previous match-up against Riverdale, the Eagles struggled in new positions with White being out, Oct. 5. Over the next day’s practice though they learned their new positions, showing it in their win over Tranquillity.

“Without Ashlyn in the last game it was confusing,” Rood said. “This game was fine because in practice we knew she wouldn’t be playing so we got to practice some in our new positions. Coach had also said to us that we should be able to beat Tranquillity even without Ashlyn and be able to play just as good; so that was nice to hear from him.”

Although Tatum says it was difficult without White playing, he feels it ultimately worked out for the good of the team.

“We definitely missed her, but the girls stepped up and came together as a unit,” Tatum said. “It was a good thing though because the team had to step up and take control without her.”

The Eagles will next host Caruthers at home, Oct. 12.

FC BESTS RIVERDALE, 3-2, IN SEASON OPENER–Oct. 5
To open up the West Sequoia League, FC traveled to take on the Riverdale Cowboys. The Cowboys proved to rival the Eagles as FC edged past Riverdale to win, 3-2, Oct. 5.

The Eagles won the first match, 26-24, and after, head coach David Tatum had the team run some sprints, attempting to wake the team up. However, Ashlyn White, ’11, and Amanda Merzon, ’12, collided as they each hurt their knee. White and Merzon played through the second game which they won, 25-11, but in the third, White had to come out due to her injury.

“Since almost everybody was in a different position,” Merzon said, “it made us step into a different role. We had to rely on each other and figure out what do, but it was also just through trial and error.”

With players in unfamiliar positions, Riverdale ousted the Eagles out of a win in the third and fourth match, 30-28, and, 25-17. However, the Eagles fought to win the fifth match, wrapping up the night, 3-2.

Senior Cassidy Hutchins, who was forced to take White’s position as setter, says the team approached the game without their usual resolve.

“A lot of it has to do though with our focus,” Hutchins said. “Our team has a lot of fun together off the court and I think that translated a little too much to the court. So we need to learn how to have fun, but working hard at the same time.”

Head coach David Tatum, felt the team did not play to the best of their ability and he also hopes to not make as many small mistakes in the next game or any other.

“Last night was a struggle and we should have been in and out of there, 3-0,” Tatum said. “We came across some unforeseen difficulties and struggled through out the entire night. I think the girls and I all learned from the experience and we never want to have a night like that again.”

The Eagles will next host Tranquility, Oct. 7.

MADERA VARSITY VOLLEYBALL CLASSIC TOURNAMENT, Sept. 24-25
FC OUTPLAYS DII, DIII TEAMS IN MADERA CLASSIC–Sept. 24-25
The Eagles traveled to Madera South to compete in the Madera Classic Tournament as the only Division V school. They went 3-4 overall to place sixth out of 15 teams, Sept. 24-25.

For the first game of pool play, FC took a loss to Madera South, 2-0, (25-22, 25-13), but bounced back defeating Kerman, 2-0, (25-14, 25-17). However, they ended the day falling to Chowchilla, 2-0, (25-19, 25-22), Sept. 24.

“Even though we didn’t really want to go to this tournament we ended up doing pretty well,” Senior Emily Schoettler said. “So the first day of the tournament we weren’t doing to well warming up, but then we had a 20 minute break and so we had a talk and saw that we need to cash in and get fired up. Even though we lost the first game we played really well and had a lot of fun.”

Going into the second day of play, FC squeezed into the Gold/Silver bracket play as they were the tenth team. Although they were the tenth team, the Eagles opened up with a big win over Madera High, 3-1, (18-25, 25-21, 15-12). Despite the adrenaline boost from the win, they could not keep up with Stockdale and Clovis North as they lost both games, 2-0, (25-11, 25-21) and, 3-1, (23-25, 25-23, 15-13), Sept. 25.

Schoettler says the win against Madera High was good confidence builder and overall the tournament encouraged her and the team as they lead into season play.

“Right off the bat we beat Madera High and they’re a DII school and so that was really awesome to beat them,” Schoettler said. “After this tournament I think season’s going to be a piece of cake because it’s back to playing all the Division V schools. If we keep the same mentality and the same passion we’ll kill all the teams.”

The Eagles will next travel to play Riverdale
for the first game in the West Sequoia League, Oct. 5.

EAGLES PLACE FIFTH AT COAST UNION TOURNAMENT–Sept. 18
FC took on eight teams at the Coast Union Tournament as they advanced to bracket play, but lost to Coast Union, 25-23, ending the tournament with record, 5-3, Sept. 8. (Check out the Fall sports box scores, 2010 for all match results.)

Junior Katelyn Miller, who racked up 31 kills for the tournament, felt the team could have placed higher overall, but despite her disappointment she says they grew as a team.

“I’m not real satisfied with how we did because we made a lot of mental mistakes and then we had to come back from them and sometimes it would be too late,” Miller said. “I think our team really built on each other though and we started to work well together as a team. We’re just going to grow on this tournament and be even better.”

Head coach David Tatum also says even though the team did not quite play there best they still made some improvements.

“I am a little disappointed in our overall tourney play because we were one of the best teams there,” Tatum said. “We definitely should have been playing in the final match of the tourney. Despite our lack of overall performance several players showed some promise and growth.”

The Eagles will next travel to play in the Madera Classic Varsity Volleyball Tournament against Madera South and Kerman, Sept. 24.

FC FALLS TO LIBERTY 3-0–Sept. 9
The Eagles failed to come out at full speed and the Liberty Hawks took full advantage as FC could not narrow the Hawks lead. FC lost, 3-0, (25-12, 26-24, 25-16), Sept. 9.

However, FC rallied in the second match but lost, 26-24. This was the Eagles only glimpse of victory as Liberty beat them once again in the third match, 25-16.

Senior Cassidy Hutchins feels the team’s physical abilities to win were there, but the Hawks defeated them mentally before the game even began.

“Our team has really good skills, but yesterday we were defeated before we even played,” Hutchins said. “We put up a good effort, but we weren’t mentally prepared. The motivation is there, but we kind of gave up before we even played.”

Head coach David Tatum says the team was capable of producing a win, but due to some technical problems in their play they could not overcome Liberty.

“I think the girls definitely could have beaten Liberty,” Tatum said. “We got off to a slow start, then we failed to pass well and serve well. We have some work to do now to prepare for our Coast Tournament in a week.”

The Eagles will next travel to Cayocas to play in the Coast Union Tournament, Sept. 18. Schedule is unknown as of Sept. 10.

EAGLES EDGE SIERRA IN 3 TIGHT GAMES–Sept. 7
FC took on the the Sierra Chieftans at home and beat them all three games, 3-0, (25-20, 25-16, 25-16), Sept. 7.

Despite a slow start in the first match, the Eagles recomposed themselves and came back to win, 25-20.

“The team had a slow start and we never really got up to full speed,” head coach David Tatum said. “Sierra played good defense and didn’t really challenge us to bad on offense though.”

The Eagles had already beat Sierra two games in the Caruthers tournament and junior Allison Camden felt because of this they came into the game with confidence.

“I felt pretty confident we’d beat them again,” Camden said, “because we knew that once we get ahead and we were playing our game they would get down on themselves and wouldn’t be able to come back.”

For the next game FC will face the Liberty Hawks at home, Sept. 9. The Hawks previously beat Kings Christian Crusaders. FC lost to the Crusaders in the championship game of the Caruthers tournament. However despite playing a common opponent, Camden is looking forward to the Liberty match and hoping to come out with a win.

“I think Liberty will definitely be a better team,” Camden said. “They beat Kings Christian in the Caruthers tournament, so I think it’ll be a pretty good game.

The Eagles will next play Liberty at home, Sept. 9.

CARUTHERS RAISIN HARVEST TOURNAMENT, Sept. 1 and 4

FC TAKES SECOND AT CARUTHERS RAISIN HARVEST TOURNAMENT–Sept. 4
If the Eagles were to improve on their second place finish last year at the Caruthers Raisin Harvest Tournament, they would have needed to win their two morning games in order to advance to the championship game once again, Sept. 4.

The first game was against Sierra. The Eagles narrowly beat them, 25-24, the first match, but laid it down in the second, 25-9, to move on to the semi-finals.

First-year varsity player Amanda Merzon, ’12, thought the team began to come together in the tournament, but she still realizes there is a need of improvement in some areas.

“We played well and started to mesh as a team, which is great, especially at the beginning of the season,” Merzon said. “But there’s always room to improve. We could use work — especially covering each other — and it’s something we are working on with every practice.”

After a two-hour break, the Eagles faced off against the Selma Bears and beat them the first match, 25-20. However, FC lost some momentum in the second match and lost, 25-23. This forced a third game to be played only to 15 points. FC took advantage of the short game, defeating Selma, 15-9.

The Eagles then were up against the Kings Christian Crusaders who had not suffered a loss yet. The first game was a close match, but Kings Christian came out on top, 25-24. If FC were to have any chance at first place, they would have needed to win the second game. But once again the Crusaders pushed past the Eagles to win, 25-21.

For the tournament, sophomore Kristen Rosenthal took on the role of libero, which is a defensive specialist and can sub in and out at any time. She felt the team played the best they could and is anticipating the upcoming season.

“I think we all played together as a team, which is why we were able to get to play in the finals,” Rosenthal said. “I really think the year will go great, though; I love our team, and everyone tries as hard as we possibly can.”

Head coach David Tatum says he was pleased with what his team accomplished despite missing junior Katelyn Miller and having to bring up sophomore JV player Logan Rood.

“The team played great together and they really came together as a team,” Tatum said. “It was tough missing Katelyn on Saturday, but Logan was able to step in and help the team win in the tournament. Also, Kristen stepped into the libero role and did a great job in both passing and serving.”

FC finished the tournament in second place.

The Eagles will next play Sierra at home, Sept. 7.

FC WINS POOL AT CARUTHERS RAISIN HARVEST TOURNAMENT–Sept. 1
The Eagles traveled to Fowler to play in the Caruthers Raisin Harvest Tournament against Kingsburg, Firebaugh and Fowler and despite a few close matches, they won five out of their six games, Sept. 1.

Senior setter Ashlyn White, felt the team played well and that their previous game against Laton gave them some energy coming into the tournament.

“I think Laton was more of a game that was like a confidence boost, but these games were ones that would get us ready for league,” White said. “So it was nice to see how we might do in league.”

For the first game, FC pounded Kingsburg, 25-16, in both matches. In their second game, Firebaugh ousted the Eagles winning, 22-25, the first, but FC was then able to defeat them, 25-22.

“Our second game we fell a part a little bit and didn’t do as good as we should have,” Camden said. “We ended up getting down a few points and then everyone started hanging their heads. We then had a little break and we came back with a new mentality and took back the lead to win the game.”

FC then went on to defeat the Fowler Redcats, 25-22, and, 25-21, to finish first in their pool.

With their wins the Eagles will advance to the playoffs of the tournament, Sept. 4. However, they will be down a player as junior Katelyn Miller will be out of town.

“For Saturday it’s going to be tough because Katelyn’s not going to be playing,” Camden said, “but I hope we just do our best and hopefully win the whole thing.”

The schedule for the second part of the Caruthers Raisin Harvest Tournament is not yet determined as of Sept. 2

EAGLES OPEN UP WITH SCRIMMAGE WIN AGAINST LATON–Aug. 25
For the first play of the home scrimmage against the Laton Mustangs, FC received the serve and senior Ashlyn White set the ball to Emily Schoettler, ’11, who spiked it for a kill. The Eagles continued to dictate play as they finished up with a 3-0 win (25-11, 25-12, 25-10), Aug. 25.

After losing five players from last season and one who left in the summer, senior Emily Schoettler says the team was rather nervous coming into their first game. However, as the squad began to warm up and the adrenaline kicked in, everything came together.

“We were really scared because we didn’t have any idea if Laton was going to be any good or not,” Schoettler said. “So we went out there and said ‘whatever happens, happens.’ When we started warming up, we began to have some fun; and then, when we started playing, it just clicked.”

2009 WSL coach of the year David Tatum says he was impressed with what his team put forth and is anticipating the rest of the 2010 season.

“The girls played well tonight: they meshed as a team and they started playing well early on,” Tatum said. “After what happened tonight, I am really excited for the Caruthers Tournament and the rest of the season.”

Even though they came out with a win, senior Cassidy Hutchins says they still need some work to be as good as possible.

“We have some kinks to work out, and most of it will have to boil down to team work — that will come with time,” Hutchins said. “We also have a lot of good hitters, but we just struggle with consistantly passing well. Once we get these things down, though, we’ll do really well.”

Tatum wants to take what the team achieved last year, going to Valley and State, and improve upon those accomplishments.

“Last season, we did what no other FC volleyabll team had done: we made it to Valley and State,” Tatum said. “Our goals are ambitious, to say the least, this year: we hope to host and win the Valley Championship and go on to compete at the State playoffs.”

For more information, check out the Volleyball sport shorts, 2009.

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