Lady Jr. Jackets Volleyball work hard but struggle in win-loss column
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The Chester Grade School 8th Grade Lady Jr. Jackets Volleyball Team has worked very hard this season so far, but has struggled in the win-loss column. In spite of some very impressive efforts from some of the players the Jr. Jackets have had difficulty finishing games down the stretch.
Coach Beth Wingerter states that she is proud of her girls in spite of a less-than-hoped-for record in the early season. "Our girls work very hard and have talent. They have just had difficulty doing what it takes late in the games to win. They have created some excitement in most all games. Now they need to learn to finish. When that happens we will start to be winners."
The 2010 season opened with a loss to Sparta Tuesday February 9 and that same week Friday February 12 CGS hosted Dupo. The Jackets opened the match with an impressive win, 21-11, but then dropped the next two, 17-21 and 13-21 to lose the match.
Chester hosted DuQuoin Wednesday February 17 losing in two games, 10-25 and 23-25. "We had a good second game", noted Wingerter. "The girls played hard but couldn't pull off the victory.
The next night, Thursday February 18 the Lady Jr. Jackets hosted a very good Pinckneyville team losing two quick contests, 12-25 and 6-25. At DuQuoin the next week Wednesday February 24 CGS fell in two games, 6-25 and 14-25.
The next night, Thursday February 25 Chester traveled the long road to Nashville on a cold winter night. The court was also cold to the Jr. Jackets as Nashville sent CGS home with two losses, 13-25 and 7-25.
Against competition more their size and speed the Lady Jr. Jackets competed very well that same weekend at the Annual Chester St. John Tournament. Friday and Saturday February 26-27.
Friday night CGS went up against the hosts St. John Hornets. Both games were very competitive. In the opening game Chester lost a close one, 21-25. The second game was an even more competitive contest, but the Jackets fell in the final serves, 23-25.
"Coach Wingerter stated after the game, "Our girls played very hard tonight. I am very proud of them. They did their best and played with all of their hearts." Wingerter noted that in spite of the loss she knew the girls had worked hard and played with effort, never giving up.
The next day, Saturday February 27, Chester battled with St. Andrews of Murphysboro in their second and final match of the tournament. The results were much the same as the night before against St. John.
Both games of the match were extremely competitive with the Lady Jr. Jackets playing very hard and working together as a unit. The first game was a close loss, 21-25. In the second game the Jackets tried their best to force a third, tie-breaking game, but fell short in their bid to stay alive, losing with extra serves, 25-27.
"The girls played tough today. They also played as a team. I am proud of them. They came up a bit short today but I am pleased with their effort", noted Head Coach Beth Wingerter.
With the closing of the St. John Tournament the Jackets completed the first half of their 2010 volleyball season. Left for CGS are games with Nashville, Sparta, Murphysboro, Trico and Pinckneyville. The 6th Grade squad will compete in the St. Mary's C-Team Tournament Saturday March 13 and the 8th Grade Team will compete in the SIJHSAA Regionals starting Wednesday March 17.