Hometown Volleyball Recap – Freeport Yellow Jackets

By: HSSN Staff
Thursday, October 19, 2017 | 4:29 AM

The Freeport Yellowjackets improve to 17-1 overall with a 3-0 match win over the Central Valley Warriors. Freeport has clinched another section title as they are 11-0 in section 5 2A. They are embarking on defending their 2A WPIAL titles from 2015 and 2016.

The Yellowjackets made things look easy in game one as they took the early lead. Other than 1-1 Freeport led the whole way and took an easy 25-12 win. They went on a 7-0 run to end game one. In game two they again took an early lead and looked like they would run away as they led 5-0, then 12-6. But the Warriors kept up the clutch play and crept up closer and got it to down one at 18-17. From there Freeport scored 7 of the last 9 points to again win going away 25-19. Game three saw spirited play both ways. Central Valley had it tied at 5-5, and 10-10 but could never grab the lead. The Yellow Jackets would score 15 of the lat 21 points, and 8 of the last 9 to win easily 25-16.

Freeport is a different team in 2017, they are not laden with star talent, but  instead are a fierce defensive team led by Libero Claire Crytzler. Her back court defense and constant diving and saving points spurs this team on. They are a team that communicates well and they outlast teams with their desire to not make mistakes. Up front on offense they are led by 5 different girls. Senior Hannah Mason who led them tonite with 11 kills, Juniors Aley Dijidas 8 kills tonite, Haley Graham also 8 kills tonite, and Sarah Hettich 6 kills. But the up and coming rising Sophomore Lauren Lampus who had 7 kills in this game is the one to watch for. She has gotten better as the season has progressed. In addition two other girls in the regular 8 girl rotation are to be mentioned, Senior leader Courtney Grubbs provides defense and is the teams setter, and Sophomore Tori Radvan provides bench depth and is a solid defensive player.

They will begin their WPIAL title defense next week under long time head coach Tom Phillips. After the game during the post game interview he mentioned how hard this team works, and how different they are from past teams. He’s always felt his kids were close, but feels this group is closer and a true team in every sense of the word. He feels they are balanced from front to back and communicate well on the court.

Tags: Central Valley, Freeport