Freshman, JV, and Varsity lose in two-sets against a very good Rockets Volleyball Team
BY JIM BEERS
It was a festive night at Colbert Memorial Gymnasium at Chester High School as the CHS Lady Jackets hosted the Okawville Lady Rockets Volleyball Team. All three levels, Freshmen, Junior Varsity, and Varsity competed and a good crowd was on hand to watch and support the Jackets.
The Jackets lost on the road to Okawville just a week ago, Tuesday September 29, and knew that the Lady Rockets were a tough team. Their size and athleticism make them hard to beat, but the Lady Jackets were focused and confident going up against the Lady Rockets.
The night was festive in that prior to the Varsity game, three senior players were recognized and honored for recent outstanding achievements. In a special ceremony Avery Hasemeyer, Joella Eggemeyer, and Aleah Eggemeyer were introduced and honored in front of a large crowd of YellowJackets fans.
Head Coach, Colleen Runge, and three fellow Lady Jacket players took the floor as the three seniors were introduced one-by-one.
First to be honored was Avery Hasemeyer (10), an Opposite Hitter for the team. Avery reached a career-high “500 DIGS”, in the game at Carlyle last Thursday October 1st. Hasemeyer was presented with a poster by Coach Runge highlighting Avery’s accomplishment as the three fellow players held large golden balloons indicating her 500 DIGS.
The second player to be honored was senior Joella Eggemeyer (9), a Libero and Outside Hitter for the Jackets. She also achieved a career-high “500 DIGS” for her high school career. Joella also received a poster and a welcome reception by Coach Runge and the three fellow teammates who held the golden, balloons indicating her career DIGS.
The final Lady Jacket to be recognized and honored was Aleah Eggemeyer (3). Aleah achieved her honor for dishing out a career-high “1000 ASSISTS” for the Lady Jackets. Aleah is a senior Setter for the Jackets. Coach Colleen Runge presented her with a poster indicating her achievement and the three teammates held golden balloons that indicated her career 1000 assists.
The night was definitely dampened a bit, by the Okawville Lady Rockets as they proceeded to dismantle the Lady Jackets at all three levels, in two sets apiece.
The freshmen lost, 21-11 and 21-10. The Junior Varsity lost 25-20 and 25-19. The Varsity lost 25-14 and 25-17. As previously mentioned, the Lady Rockets were significantly taller and very athletic in their pursuit of a road victory over the Lady Jackets.
Chester fought hard at all three levels, but just had a difficult time keeping up with the Lady Rockets. Chester had several great runs against Okawville, only to fall behind against the powerful attacks from the Rockets.
The Varsity had a close first half of Set 2. The set was tied seven times and both teams exchanged leads six times. The set was tied, 15-15, after which the Rockets went on a 10-2 run to win the set and the game, 25-17.
Chester is back in action Saturday October 10 at Carbondale High School against the Lady Terriers. Game time is 9:00 a.m. and will feature ONLY the VARSITY.
CHS Volleyball senior, Aubrey Colvis (5) gets set for a Lady Rocket serve Thursday October 8 in the game against the Okawville Lady Rockets. Colvis, a key Lady Jacket player, fought hard in the eventual loss to Okawville in two sets. Jim Beers Photo
Hannah Crow (12) a Chester High School junior outside hitter and defensive specialist, gets ready to serve to the Okawville Lady Rockets at Colbert Memorial Gymnasium Thursday October 8. Jim Beers Photo
The Officials at the Lady YellowJacket Volleyball game Thursday October 8 at CHS Colbet Memorial Gymnasium represented two extreme levels of experience in officiating. Dennis Grah, right and Keith Kiner, left. were at both ends of that continuum. Grah, a very seasoned official, has been refereeing Chester games for many decades in both basketball and volleyball. Kiner, on the other hand, was officiating his very first high school volleyball game at CHS. Kiner, who is an experienced basketball player at the high school, college, and overseas professional levels, is back home in the area. He is a full-time substitute Teacher at the Murphysboro Middle School as well as Assistant Basketball Coach at that same school. Kiner was a Chester High School Basketball standout throughout his high school career and is now coaching with his former CHS Coach, Brad Norman, in Murphysboro. In addition, Kiner will be referring volleyball as time permits. It was great seeing Mr. Kiner back home at Colbert Memorial Gym again after several years playing college basketball and Semi-Pro Basketball overseas. His wife is Destiny Williams Kiner, the new Head Girl’s Basketball Coach at Chester High School. She was also an outstanding high school and collegiate basketball player. Jim Beers Photo