Lady Yellow Jackets ready to hit the court
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA["Strength in numbers" might be a good way to think about Chester's volleyball program this season. Thirty-eight girls tried out for Coach Karen Bert and 31 made the final roster after some tough try-outs. The Lady Yellow Jackets will be led by six seniors. Both the junior and sophomore classes placed eight members on the rosters, rounded out by nine freshmen. Even with junior varsity and freshman games, this gives Coach Bert a lot of room to move players around as she tries to find the right mix.
With Chester joining the Black Diamond Conference, Coach Bert isn't sure about what to expect this season and will take things one game at a time. Based on last year's records, Trico (9-1 in conference play) and Sesser-Valier (7-3) would appear to be two of the stronger programs in this division. Chester trades places with Carterville, who finished in second with an 8-2 conference record last year.
In addition to the ten conference matches, Chester will also participate in tournaments at Marissa and Trico and host their own tournament on Sept. 18.
The schedule also features some non-conference matches, including contests against former conference foes Sparta and Anna-Jonesboro.
With the tryouts completed, Coach Bert and her players are now ready to make their goals for the season and prepare for some tough matches ahead.