Chester Junior-Senior High School announces its volleyball team is entering the final stretch of the season as the football team prepares for a league showdown. Coaches also honored two cheerleaders for exceptional contributions during Homecoming.
Chester volleyball
The Chester varsity volleyball team players had two important league matches last week as they continued their push toward the postseason, said coaches. On Tuesday, the Volcanoes battled a strong Portola team but fell in five hard-fought sets. Portola currently sits at 19-7 overall and 5-1 in league play.
The girls bounced back Oct. 8 with an exciting five-set victory over Burney, improving their record to 18-8 overall and 4-2 in Five Star League competition. Chester is currently the No. 2 seed in the Division 7 playoff rankings with just two weeks remaining in the regular season.
The Volcanoes host Loyalton tomorrow, Tuesday, Oct. 13, with a game time of 5:30 p.m., before traveling to face league-leading Redding Christian, which enters the matchup at 21-3 overall and 6-0 in league play.
For the second consecutive week, Hailey Delong has been selected as varsity player of the week. Coaches say Delong delivered outstanding performances throughout the week, highlighted by her play in Thursday’s critical win over Burney. While the team battled through some inconsistencies, Delong continued to dominate her position and kept Chester competitive on every point. The team captain continues to improve each week and consistently impresses coaches with her leadership, work ethic and ability to perform under pressure, said coach Dan Brown.
The Chester junior high volleyball teams are also winding down a successful season. The junior high squads swept Portola in a home match Oct. 8, continuing their impressive run. One of the standout performers was Kylee Joa, whose strong play helped lead the team to victory. This talented eighth grade group continues to impress opponents with its skill and teamwork, said coaches. The girls will return to action Thursday, Oct. 15, at 4 p.m. when they host Quincy.
For her dominance on the court, steady improvement throughout the season and leadership among her teammates, Kylee Joa has been named junior high player of the week.
Chester football
The Chester varsity football team has been working hard and continues to build momentum as the season enters its final stretch, say coaches. After a slow start, the Volcanoes defeated neighboring rival Plumas Charter School 42-14 Oct. 9, securing their second consecutive victory.
Chester now heads into a huge matchup against Hayfork (6-1) Oct. 16, game time 6 p.m., with an opportunity to keep its league title hopes alive. The away game will be a rematch of the Sept. 25 meeting, when the Volcanoes fell 36-16 despite committing a season-high five turnovers. Coach Terry Hernandez said he expects his team to be ready for a strong redemption effort as Chester looks to even the score and make a statement in league play.
This week’s varsity football player of the week is David Hatfield for his outstanding versatility, team-first attitude, hard work, toughness and dedication. Throughout the season, Hatfield has contributed at offensive line, defensive line, defensive end and linebacker, excelling wherever he is needed, said coaches. “His willingness to step into multiple roles and perform at a high level has made the Volcanoes a much stronger team.”
Chester cheer
This week’s cheer players of the week are Bailey Ramey and Sophia Salazar for their outstanding contributions during Homecoming week.
Ramey, an eighth grader, worked incredibly hard throughout the week and played a key role in the cheer team’s amazing choreographed halftime performance, said coaches. “Her dedication, energy and commitment helped make the performance a memorable success.”
Salazar, a junior, stepped up as a captain and did an exceptional job leading the team. Coaches say her confidence, determination and leadership were on full display throughout the week, setting a positive example for her teammates and helping the squad perform at its best.
