CHS sweeps the round robin event with wins over Trico and Sparta
By Jim Beers
CHESTER – The Chester High School Lady Jacket Volleyball Team was the winner of the 2023 Trico Invitational Tournament. The event was a round robin tournament and the Jackets swept the competition to bring home the championship trophy.
The tournament took place Tuesday through Thursday September 19-21, 2023 with Chester beating Trico in two sets Tuesday September 19 and winning over Sparta in two sets Thursday September 21 to win the tourney.
Against Trico the Lady Jackets won the first set, but were down, 21-24, in the second. The Jacket defense then tuned on the after-burner to come from behind score five unanswered points and win the set and the match, 26-24.
Head Coach Colleen Runge said, “Our defense was impeccable and our swings were powerful tonight. I cannot say enough about this team’s hard work and dedication to the game. They are impressive this year and I am so proud of them.”
Pictured are Chester High School Lady Jacket Volleyball players that were named to the 2023 Trico Invitational Tournament “All-Tournament Team”. Also appearing are Lady Jacket Coaches. (Left to right): Alyssa Keith, Assistant Coach; Magie Caby, “All-Tournament Team”; Jordan Buskohl, “All-Tournament Team”; Mabry Wingerter, “Most Valuable Player” and “All-Tournament Team”; Reese Chandler, Assistant Coach; and Collen Runge, Head Coach (with 1st Place Trophy). Photo Provided.
As if that isn’t enough to be happy and proud of, Chester’s Mabry Wingerter, a senior, was named “Most Valuable Player” (MVP) of the tournament, making her the Captain of the 2023 All-Tournament Team.
In addition, Jordan Buskohl, a senior, and sophomore Maggie Caby, were selected as members of the 2023 Trico Tournament “All-Tournament” team.
Pictured are the 2023 Chester Lady YellowJackets, winners of the 2023 Trico Invitational Volleyball Tournament. (Front row, left to right): Joella Eggemeyer (8), Alexis Eggemeyer (5), Grace Welborn (20), Ellen McCormick (4), Camryn Wolff (22), Liberty McCormick (12), and Elaina Lutman (14). (Back row, left to right): Alyssa Keith, Assistant Coach, Mabry Wingerter (3), Jordan Buskohl (2), Maggie Caby (33), Jazzi Merideth (1), Colleen Runge, Head Coach, and Reese Chandler, Assistant Coach. Photo provided.
The 2023 Chester High School Lady Jacket Varsity includes:
Seniors
Alexis Eggemeyer (#5)
Ellen McCormick (#4)
Grace Welborn (#20)
Jasmine “Jazzi” Merideth (#1)
Jordan Buskohl (#2)
Liberty McCormick (#12)
Mabry Wingerter (#3)
Junior
Elaina Lutman (#14)
Sophomores
Camryn Wolff (#22)
Maggie Caby (#33)
Freshman
Joella Eggemeyer (#8)
The Lady Jackets are coached by Colleen Runge, Head Coach; Alyssa Keith, Assistant Coach; and Reese Chandler, Assistant Coach.
Coming up for Chester the week of September 25-28, the Lady Jackets travel to Valmeyer Monday September 25 to face the Lady Pirates of the Cahokia Conference Kaskaskia Division with the Varsity match starting at 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday September 26 the Jackets host the Lady Rockets from Okawville in an Illinois Division Cahokia Conference matchup. The Varsity will start swinging at 7:30 p.m.
Finally, CHS will round out the three-match week hosting a second Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division match against the Carlyle Lady Indians on Thursday September 28. The Varsity will play at 7:30 p.m.