All three levels win against Marissa; Fans say goodbye to Absher, Eggemeyer, Thomas and Vasquez
By Jim Beers, Contributing Writer
CHESTER – Tuesday October 18 was “Senior Night 2022” at Chester High School Colbert Gymnasium. The Lady YellowJackets Volleyball Team hosted the Marissa Lady Meteors in a non-conference match for the final home match of the 2022 season.
The evening began at 5:00 p.m. with the CHS freshmen playing the freshmen from Marissa. The young Lady Jackets won the match in two quick sets, 21-9 and 21-10.
The JV followed with a romp of the JV Lady Meteors in two sets, 25-9 and 25-9. In set 1 Kinsley McCartney served the JV to a 20-5 opening lead. Lilly McCormick took the team to match point, 24-8. Two serves later the Jackets had completed the win 25-9.
In the second set the JV raced out to a 14-5 lead which was soon increased to 20-8 before sophomore Gianna Eggemeyer took the reins and led the Jackets to a 25-9 win.
Immediately following the conclusion of the JV match, Seniors Maleia Absher, Emma Eggemeyer, Paige Thomas and Paige Vasquez were honored with a very nice “Senior Night” ceremony.
Coaches, fellow players, Jacket fans and administrators gathered to recognize Class of 2023 senior Volleyball plyers along with their parents. Each senior was joined center court with her parents to be recognized, both verbally and with gifts, balloons, and flowers.
Lady Jacket senior, Maleia Absher (#2), with parents Kim Absher and Misty Parrish at Senior Night 2022. Jim Beers Photo
Maleia Absher is the daughter of Kim Absher and Misty Parrish. At CHS Absher has been involved in Student Council, SADD, FCA, Summit Yearbook, Pep Club, Track, Volleyball, Basketball, Cheerleading, and she is the President of the Spanish Club.
Following high school Maleia plans to attend the University of Kentucky to major in Criminal Justice and Political Science.
Emma Eggemeyer is pictured with her parents Aaron Eggemeyer and Amy Eggemeyer during Senior Night ceremonies at CHS. Jim Beers Photo
Emma Eggemeyer is the daughter of Aaron and Amy Eggemeyer. She has been involved in Student Council, National Honor Society, FCA, SADD, The Sting Newspaper, Pep Club, Spanish Club, Volleyball, Softball, Cheerleading and Track. She is also the Senior Class President.
Emma Eggemeyer (#18) waits for the serve in the game against Marisa on Senior Night. Jim Beers Photo
After graduating from CHS in May of 2023, Emma plans to attend college at St. Charles Community College to major in Nursing. She intends to play softball while at St. Charles.
Paige Thomas is pictured with her parents at Senior Night 2022 at CHS. Pictured (left to right) are Nettie and Brian Thomas, Paige Thomas, and Sara Chandler. Jim Beers Photo
Paige Thomas is the daughter of Brian and Nettie Thomas and Sara Chandler. During her high school years at CHS Paige was involved in SADD, Pep Club, Volleyball, Track, and Cheerleading.
After graduating from CHS Paige plans on pursuing a Nursing Degree and hopes to continue her volleyball career while in college.
Paige Vasquez is pictured with her parents Trent Vasquez and Angie Vasquez during Senior Night festivities at CHS Colbert Gym. Jim Beers Photo
Paige Vasquez is the daughter of Trent and Angie Vasquez. Her activities at CHS include serving on the Student Council, National Honor Society, SADD, Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), The Sting Newspaper, Pep Club, Spanish Club, Dance Team, Softball, Volleyball and Track.
CHS senior, Paige Vasquez goes up for a kill in the “Senior Night 2022” match vs Marissa. Vasquez recorded 9 kills, 7 aces, and 5 digs in the win over the Meteors, 25-12 and 25-6. Jim Beers Photo
Her future plans include pursuing a Speech-Language Degree and continuing her volleyball career while in college.
After concluding the “Senior Night” activities both teams went through their warm-up routines and the varsity volleyball match began. The Lady Jackets had a great night on the court and won the match in two quick sets, 25-12 and 25-6.
Set 1 started out briefly competitive with CHS leading 1-0 after the first serve. Marissa tied the set 1-1, 2-2, and 3-3, but never had the lead. Chester led 4-3 after which Mabry Wingerter served the Jackets to a 5-3 lead and Paige Thomas served the team on an 8-0 run to lead, 14-5.
The Lady Meteors answered with a 4-1 run to get within six points, 15-9. Chester followed with a quick 3-0 run and led, 18-9 after which Marissa called time out. Chester’s Ellen McCormick finished the set serving the final points to give her Lady Jackets a 25-12 victory.
Set 2 began with a 5-0 run with Jordan Buskohl slamming two of her nine kills for the night and Mabry Wingerter blocking an intended hit from the Lady Meteors.
Chester’s Mabry Wingerter and Paige Thomas then served the Jackets to a 12-5 lead, after which Maggie Caby and Emma Eggemeyer served to a 16-6 lead. Leading 21-6, Jordan Buskohl had a fantastic kill to extend the Lady Jacket’s lead to 22-6.
Chester finished the match with a 9-0 run behind the serving of Paige Vasquez for the final score of 25-6 and a YellowJacket match win.
The CHS Student Body was in full force Tuesday October 18 when the Jackets hosted Marissa on Senior Night 2022. The Jackets won in two sets, 25-12 and 25-6. Jim Beers Photo
In the win, Mabry Wingerter led the Jackets with 17 assists, 1 ace, 1 solo block and 3 digs. Jordan Buskohl and Paige Vasquez each recorded 9 kills apiece. Vasquez also added 7 aces, and 5 digs. Paige Thomas contributed 2 aces, and 3 digs. Ellen McCormick had 6 digs. Maggie Caby added 2 kills and 3 digs while Emma Eggemeyer had 2 aces and 1 dig.
With the win, the Lady Jackets improved to 14-11 overall and stayed at 5-4 in the Cahokia Conference. The Jackets will finish out the rest of the 2022 regular season Wednesday October 19 at Marion and Thursday October 20 at Wesclin.