Jefferson R7 Blue Jays started its season 0-2 following losses to The Seckman Jaguars and Ste. Genevieve Dragons.
The Blue Jays ran up against Seckman for the first match of the season. This was the team’s first real action since last season. The emergence of COVID-19 resulted in the team not being able to travel in the summer or participate in a jamboree. The Blue Jays were also without senior starter, Laney Smith.
Seckman Jaguars was able to jump out to an early lead and took the first set 25-19. Jefferson battled back in the second and was able to sneak out a narrow 27-25 victory. The Jaguars took control of the third set and won 25-12 and spoiled the Blue Jays’ season opener.
“We really fought hard that second set,” senior Payton Siebert said. “There were a lot of things we did good but we do have some things to work on. I’m proud of our girls making the adjustments we did!”
Sophomore Ava Roth led the team with 22 digs. She also contributed six kills which was one behind sophomore Emma Breier’s seven for the team lead. Sophomore Kirstyn Loyd delivered five kills and tied sophomore Paige Siebert for the team lead in assists with eight. Loyd also added two aces and totalled six serving points.
Despite the loss, head coach Tara Fish was pleased with the team’s effort. “Seckman is a great large class team and it was fun seeing our girls finally get to play someone,” Fish said. “We have some things to work through, but the team had so many great moments I am excited to see what the season brings.”
Jefferson looked to bounce back from the loss in its senior night at home against Ste. Genevieve. The Blue Jays were still without Laney Smith.
The Dragons proved to be a tough matchup and won the first set 25-18. Jefferson battled back and tried to force a third set but came up short 25-19 and fell to 0-2 on the season.
“It meant a lot that all of the underclassmen put in so much time and effort to make the night as special as it was for me and the other seniors,” senior Mackenzie Rarick said. “It was really great to be recognized as a senior but it was also really sad that Laney Smith was unable to be there to be honored as well.”
Similar to the match against Seckman, Roth and Breier led the team in kills with six and five. Loyd and Paige Siebert led the team in assists with seven and eight.
“We played hard against a good team,” Fish said. “One thing we have to focus on is our serving. We would work hard to get the ball and then we would miss the serve resulting in lots of rotation in our line up.”
The Blue Jays will continue to search for its first win at Kingston High School Tuesday, Sep. 8 at 7:30 p.m.
All Photos Courtesy of Jerrianne Wallace