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Spikers End Preseason With Split
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Splitting their final two preseason games, varsity volleyball players lost to Turlock but bounced back strong against Orestimba.

The Lady Cougars traveled to Turlock for the Tuesday, Sept. 7 match up and lost in four, 25-27, 28-30, 25-22, 20-25.

"The kids gave me pretty much everything they had to give," said coach Rusty Fachner. "We kept coming back, kept fighting. There were a lot of things that went against us, but we will have to learn to overcome them."

Steph Williamson and Michele Barajas were singled out for their work at the setter position, while Jenna Martin and Ashley Brown also earned praise for tremendous defensive efforts, which included 23 digs from Martin.

"I was happy with our passing, I was not happy with our ability to put the ball away," noted Fachner.

Outstanding performance on the night, despite the loss, came from Chelsea Fachner, with 20 digs, 20 kills, five assists and four blocks against Turlock.

"It was a pretty incredible effort on her part," pointed out Fachner. "Megan Warren also played aggressively and I'm pleased with her progress."

Other strong efforts came from Michelle Willliams, while Emily McCants, Brittany Rigg and Kacey Ball are also working hard, in practice and in competition.

Wednesday, the Lady Cougars were back on their home court, hosting Orestimba.

"I was afraid coming off a tough match we'd have a letdown but that was not the case," Fachner said. "I was very pleased with our level of play, we maintained our level of play, our intensity."

Escalon swept visiting Orestimba, 25-9, 25-6, 25-13.

Fachner had 10 kills, Williamson contributed 12 assists, Laken Naraghi had 11 digs coming off the bench.

"Brittany Rigg had some tremendous swings from the outside, Sandi French played well and we got Emily Alves some chances to set the ball," Fachner explained.

The varsity completed preseason at 4-2 and move into Trans-Valley League competition this week.

"There are some growing pains," Fachner said of the team. "But we're getting better."