She's one in a Jillian

By Michael Ashcraft --

Pelé would be proud.

In a desperate attempt to save a ball from hitting the floor boards, Jillian Jenkins executed a rarely seen return Tuesday. She bumped it with her foot.

She managed to place the laces of her shoe just perfectly underneath the rocketing ball, popped it up with the aplomb of a Messi chip. The ball traced a graceful and gentle arc, expertly aimed to square up a set.

Everyone at the Hillcrest Christian gym of Newbury Park was astonished.

"She's just overall athletic," remarked Coach Jessica Young.

It was a feat of her feet.

Had the legends of soccer been watching, they would have approved. LCA's soccer coach is already on the phone calling to recruit her for the soccer season.

Using both hands and feet proves Jill possesses an uncommon a-Jill-ity.

"I was playing soccer when I was little. I guess that was just instincts," Jillian said, downplaying her exploits. "I was too lazy to put my arms forwards, so I kind of just stuck my leg forward."

In a game that made everybody happy except Coach, Lighthouse Christian Academy liquidated its erstwhile archrivals in three sets: 25-8, 25-22, 25-20.

"We're running tomorrow," Jessica said. "Most people played slow. I gave them a kick in the butt in the huddle. They needed to work harder. They have more. To not give it all is a detriment to themselves."

Jill will run too, even though she did so well. According to official statistics, she got 4 digs, 2 kills and 5 aces.

To watch her leaping serves is to witness a work of art. She's a ballerina as she smashes the ball.

Dahlia Gonzalez will run, in support of the team, even though she was good for her usual haul of kills.

Her reputation proceeds her: she is the most feared hitter in the league.

To return a Dahlia thunderclap is something akin to the kung-fu movies of the 1980s in which the sensei would stop a bullet by catching it with his teeth.

The one time Hillcrest successfully blocked Dahlia they celebrated with great jubilation. You would have thought it was Mexican Independence Day, only without the firecrackers. Firecrackers probably are not allowed in the gym.

Apparently, team captain Allie Scribner was not to be outdone by the display of Jill's soccer skills on the volleyball court. In an eye-popping display of an acrobat, the senior playmaker dove for a ball, sliding on her knees in the direction opposite the net, and still managed to bump the ball perfectly over.

She'll run, for the laziness of others.

As the season winds down, Lighthouse is undefeated. They'll need to ratchet up their game as they head into playoffs.

Read more about LCA volleyball: the Jill Chills (Game 1). Sharp shooter Shayla (Game 2), No return policy (Game 3) , Abigail is Elsa (Game 4), God Balls (Game 5), Little girl beat up big boy (Game 6), Craziah for Keziah (Game 7) Flower power (Game 8), Xie xie Shay (Game 9).

About this reporter: Michael Ashcraft teaches writing and reporting at the Lighthouse Christian Academyin Santa Monica.