Friday, Sep. 14, 2012

Volleyball teams fall short against Hilmar, Dos Palos

It was a rough week for Los Banos and Pacheco's volleyball teams, with LB falling in four close games to Hilmar and an outmatched Pacheco falling to Dos Palos.

Los Banos looked to be in control of Hilmar on Monday after taking the first game 25-20, but Hilmar struck back, taking a 12-4 lead in the second game. LB mounted a comeback, but Hilmar held on to take it 25-23. Another close one went Hilmar's way in a 25-22 Hilmar win before LB dropped the last game 25-18.

Hilmar's Emily Baptista led with 13 kills, but it was libero Valerie Ewing that made the difference, digging out 31 Los Banos hits.

Two nights later at Pacheco, the Panthers ran into the buzzsaw of Dos Palos. The Broncos were on a mission after a loss to Los Banos the week before, and swept Pacheco 25-10, 25-16, 25-7.

DP's Emmelee Croninger led with 10 kills, followed by teammate Kacey Jones with nine. Middle blocker Madison Pierce racked up seven blocks, and Hannah Vincent added 17 assists.

Dos Palos mounted early leads in each game, taking a 16-8 lead in the first game, a 5-0 lead in the second and a 10-2 lead in the third.

Pacheco's Tracey Alvarez racked up nine digs and eight assists, and middle blocker Jasmine Garcia added four blocks.

Pacheco's JV squad dropped its match 2-0 to Dos Palos, and LB's JV team lost 2-0 to Hilmar.

All three levels of Los Banos volleyball host Central Valley in Monday's Western Athletic Conference opener. Pacheco opens WAC play Wednesday on the road at Central Catholic.