The Jill-House Rock

By Michael Ashcraft --

After winning the de Toledo tournament two years in a row, Lighthouse took 5th this year.

The loss of seniors Allie Scribner and Dahlia Gonzalez, who graduated, was felt. But there are rising stars that give hope for good things.

"The girls are much better than we even imagined. There were multiple times we could have won. The team that is playing in the champions, we went to five with them. So we're right up there, but we just keep falling short when it comes down to it," said Coach Jessica Young. "Our attitude is good, the fight is there. We just have to get our attack better and our kills."

Sophomore Jillian Jenkins demonstrated prowess against Armenian General Benevolent Union of Winnetka. With her effortless digs, serves and kills, Jill rocked the team.

"When she is middle back, she's got it," Coach said. "She's our strongest hitter. How are we going to hone in her hits?"

The Saints won the first and third sets but collapsed in the last. The scores in order were: 25-17, 22-25, 25-22, 20-25 and 6-15.

"I was really proud of our team for hustling and putting it all out there," Jillian said. "I though the energy was really high. The team is new, but everybody wants to try and learn and do their best. It's going to be a good year. I'm excited for the season. I'm going to get a lot of sets."

Jill wasn't the only standout. The Lighthouse Christian Academy's player of the tournament was Junior Shayla Papik, who was solid all around.

Sophomore Riley Gonzalez hammered difficult balls over the net.

About this writer: Michael Ashcraft teaches journalism and writing at the Lighthouse.