Bonita Varsity Volleyball Team Wants to Hang a New Banner

2010 CIF Champions? Come out to find out!

Remembering that they were one game — actually one point — away from winning the CIF title last year, it’s easy to see why the Bonita volleyball team has a chip on its shoulder or, more accurately, a whole lumberyard of chips.

“Losing last year certainly adds a little more fuel to the fire,” said head coach Adriana Contreras, training her team up for the opening-season match against San Dimas at home on Sept. 14.

But don’t shed too many tears for Bonita after the team’s tough loss last year. The Bearcats return all their starters except Allie LaPierre, who now plays for UCLA, and the team, of course, has that season-ending loss from last year as extra motivation.

Practices are serious and focused. The girls know where they want to be at the end of the season.

“Practices are much more intense,” Contreras said. “The ladies are thinking about that CIF banner overhead that says ‘CIF Finalist.’ It’s our rallying cry, we were that close.”

There are certainly no holes in this year’s line-up. Senior co-captain Katie Kirby returns as a powerful and devastating outside hitter. Other co-captain Ashley Maxfeldt, on her way next fall to Loyola Marymount University, returns as an extraordinarily gifted setter and all-around playmaker who makes everyone on the team better. Meanwhile Junior Victoria Dennis will be a tower of strength as the team’s middle blocker.

The team also boasts outstanding right-side specialists Briana Kennedy and Danielle Lines. With another season behind her, Kennedy, still just a junior, is also becoming a force as a middle blocker.

Bonita has a great back line as well featuring liberos and defensive specialists Rebecca Aguilera, a senior who had to sit out last season as a transfer from St. Lucy’s, and juniors Melissa Katherman and Kassandra Mejia.

With so many returning players, Contreras was limited by the number of players she could add to this year’s squad. The ones that broke through, however, should further strengthen the team.

For last year’s playoff run, she brought up Madison Zylstra and Kaitlyn White from last year. They both stick, adding to the team’s depth. Also coming up from the junior varsity are Hanna Rioseco, a junior outside hitter; Rucci Trivedi, a senior middle blocker; and Megan Laubach, a senior right-sider. The team’s only freshman is middle blocker Olivia Rioseco, Hanna’s sister.

The varsity girls had a busy summer, playing for Club West or attending showcase camps and then making it through Determination (Hell) Week. Their sights are now set on the Sept. 14 home opener against San Dimas and their “Dig Pink” home game against Los Altos, the reigning CIF champion, on Oct. 21 (look to LaVerneOnline for more about this special event to raise funds to fight cancer).

Also on the team’s mind is the condition of teammate Briana Kennedy’s little sister who is battling brain cancer. Look to this space as well for more details on an upcoming fundraiser the team is planning to help the child who is just 18 months old. “She is in all our thoughts and prayers,” Contreras said.

It’s going to be a memorable season for a lot of different reasons.

You’re invited on Sept. 25 to the volleyball team’s beach blanket day in the sun and sand at Lowell Brandt Park at 7201 Stephens Ranch Road. There will be plenty of food, raffle items and, of course, lots of volleyball to enjoy. For more information about this event or to donate items for the Dig Pink event on Oct. 21, please contact coach Adriana Contreras at a.contreras@email.bonita.k12.ca.us

TEAM ROSTER

1 Rebecca Aguilera L, DS Sr.
2 Kassandra Mejia DS, L Jr.
3 Melissa Katherman DS, L Jr.
4 Danielle Lines RS Jr.
5 Megan Laubach RS Sr.
6 Briana Kennedy MB, RS Jr.
7 Ruchi Trivedi MB Sr.
9 Olivia Rioseco MB Fr.
10 Hanna RiosecoOH, RS Jr.
11 Kaitlyn White MB Sr.
12 Ashley Maxfeldt (C)S Sr.
13 Madison Zylstra OH Sr.
14 Victoria Dennis MB, OH Jr.
15 Katie Kirby (C) OH Sr.