Action required travel for Escalon’s volleyball and flag football squads recently.

The varsity volleyball team played in the Foundation Game while the flag football varsity team had a busy week, including a trip to an all-day scrimmage in Merced.

VOLLEYBALL

On the volleyball court, the varsity girls went to Central Catholic for the Foundation Game on Aug. 20.

“It was an intense environment from start to finish and I am so proud to say our girls ended up winning in four sets,” explained head coach Shay Beam. “Even though this game doesn’t count, it was great to get a glimpse of the heart and effort that this group of girls has on the court.”

The game, a fundraiser for the Section, does not count on the team’s record, but is helpful in pointing out strengths and weaknesses.

“Serving and serve receive are areas we need to fine tune but it was a great start to what we hope is a successful season,” said Beam.

The girls were scheduled to play Sierra and Merced in non-league matches this week to officially open up the preseason.

FLAG FOOTBALL

In their Foundation Game at Tracy on Aug. 18, head coach Steve Largent said the “game got away from us in the second half” and the varsity flag football girls came up short in the contest.

“Wednesday (Aug. 20) we opened up our regular season and traveled to the west side and took care of business with a 40-0 win over Gustine,” Largent said. “Jayci Trimble caught a TD pass to open the scoring for us.”

Georgia Northcutt and Rebecca Wampler had interception returns for touchdowns, Jasmine Barron added two scores and Gabriela De La O Vigil scored the final touchdown of the game for Escalon.

“Saturday in Merced we had a date with the big fish in the area and despite two losses to McClatchy out of Sacramento (three times the size of Escalon) and Merced, we did pick up a win on the day with a 32-6 victory over McNair,” the coach said.

Senior captain Reagan Baker “ran possessed,” Largent explained, with two scores on the ground; senior quarterback Peyton Merrill connected with Barron and sophomore Ava Girardi for two more scores.

“We are working on still finding our identity and overall are pleased with our 2-2 start,” Largent added. “The girls knew going in (Saturday) it was going to be a heck of a challenge and we just preached to them it was an opportunity to work hard, show some grit, and grow. When the dust settled after the long day in the sun it was a step in the right direction and we could all look at ourselves in the mirror and be proud of the efforts by everyone.”

The team will have its first home game on Thursday, Aug. 28 against the Lathrop Spartans. JV action begins at 4:30 p.m.; varsity at 5:30 p.m.