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Hawks will strive for improvement
Kylie Maines Itzel Mendoza
Kylie Maines, Itzel Mendoza and Central Valley’s girls volleyball team will compete in the Central California Conference this season. - photo by Dale Butler

Central Valley High School girls volleyball head coach Regina Selfridge saw a tremendous amount of growth in her team this past season, which was shortened to just six matches due to COVID-safety protocols.

The Hawks have their sights set on positive gains this fall as they’re slated to play a full schedule of matches.

“A successful season is one where every girl improves her skills and wants to come back next year to play again,” Selfridge said.

Central Valley returns 10 players from a season ago, Kylie Maines (Sr.), Sejal Malhi (Sr.), Julia Roton (Sr.), Bella Carrera (Jr.), Alondra Carrillo (Jr.), Soriah Corona (Jr.), Kim Garcia (Sr.), Janessa Godinez (Jr.), Victoria Lloyd (Jr.) and Allie Peterman (Jr.).

Itzayhana Yepez (Sr.), Itzel Mendoza (Sr.), Amerie De La Torre (So.) and Yaresli Lopez (Jr.) are newcomers.

De La Torre and Lopez contributed at the JV level this past season.

Yepez and Mendoza played volleyball their sophomore and freshman years.

“They have great energy on the court, a great team bond, they are all inclusive, and work together really well,” Selfridge said while talking about the strengths of her squad.

“The girls want to improve, so they put in the effort to improve,” she added.

Maines, Godinez and Malhi have been named team captains.

“Kylie has great leadership abilities and is encouraging when we are doing well and when we are down in points,” Selfridge said. “Janessa is an incredible all-round athlete, has great leadership skills, and the girls look up to her to help pick them up and to celebrate with. Sejal motivates the girls.”

Central Valley lost two key players to graduation: Azalia Diaz and Samantha Espinoza.

Diaz competed at the varsity level for three seasons.

She was selected to the Western Athletic Conference South Division First Team as a senior.

Central Valley will compete against Livingston, Patterson, Atwater, Buhach Colony, Merced, Golden Valley and El Capitan as members of the Central California Conference this fall.

The Hawks relocated from the CCC to the Western Athletic Conference for just one season last year for travel and public health reasons related to the coronavirus pandemic.

Playoffs were canceled in an effort to allow student-athletes as much time as possible to play some matches during the 2020 COVID-19 shortened season.

Central Valley played just a total of six matches last year.

Several matches were canceled due to coronavirus protocols.

Central Valley compiled a 2-4 record and tied for last place in the WAC South Division standings (1-3) with Los Banos.

The Hawks collected their lone win in WAC South play against the second-place Ceres High Bulldogs (2-2). Central Valley avenged a 3-0 loss with a 3-1 victory.

The Hawks lost twice to Pacheco and Mountain House.

The WAC was split into two divisions for just one year for travel and public health reasons related to the coronavirus pandemic. Playoffs were canceled to allow student-athletes as much time as possible to play some matches during the COVID-shortened season.

The Hawks’ 2021 preseason schedule includes matches versus Grace Davis, Riverbank, West and Ceres High. Central Valley will play in the Orestimba and Dixon High tournaments.

“We are a bit nervous returning to the CCC after being in the WAC South last year,” Selfridge said. “It’s a tough league due to the amount of girls playing volleyball for club.”

“We would love to finish the season in the top three and make playoffs,” she added.