Eagle Volleyball Recognizes and Thanks Four Sophomores

College of the Siskiyous celebrated two hitters, a setter and a libero on Volleyball Sophomore Night Wednesday, Nov. 13. Interim head coach Jess Petricevic said libero Amelia Gastelum, setter Isabella Colombo, middle blocker Josie Cole and right side hitter Hailey Rock represented all aspects of the game for the Eagles and showed the way for younger players with their indoor volleyball experience and hard work.

The sophomores were recognized with family members and presented with flowers, gifts and posters before the start of the final home match of the 2024 fall season.

"They've been a huge part of how successful we've been," Petricevic said of the four sophomores. "They've done a great job showing our younger players what Siskiyous volleyball is all about and how we represent ourselves on the court and in the classroom."

Amelia, who holds the team record for service aces, came to Siskiyous from Seaside, Oregon. She's been covering the Eagles' side of the court like a dome the last two seasons, quickly diving to get balls about to hit the floor or reaching overhead with her back to the net for high ones. She's been recognized as an Eagle Female Athlete of the Month and ranks near the top of the conference this season in service aces per set and digs per set. She's also in the top 15 in conference for assists per set. Petricevic pointed to Amelia's skills, leadership, and willingness to work hard every day. Now majoring in kinesiology, she plans to play beach volleyball in the spring, then move on to a university where she can play volleyball and eventually find a career as a physical therapist.

Isabella, who came to Siskiyous from Naselle, Washington, is the ebullient conductor of the Eagles offensive attack and their post-point celebrations. A Scholar Athlete Award winner, she holds the team record for assists in a season and currently ranks near the top of the conference in assists per set. She also ranks in the top 20 in conference for digs per set and has scored many points when she looks like she's setting but hits the ball over the net instead. Petricevic said Bella is one of the team's stronger leaders and "influences the team to do its best and be better every day." She's majoring in Natural Sciences, and her post-Siskiyous plan is to move back to Naselle and attend WGU while working.

Josie and Hailey are both Scholar Athlete Award winners who have spent the last two seasons doing much of their work for the volleyball team above the net: blocking, spiking, and attempting to catch defenders off-guard with well-placed tips.

Josie came to Siskiyous from Bonanza, Oregon, and has been one of the team's top blockers this season. "She has improved quite a bit," said Petricevic, who praised Josie for her great attitude and the hard work she puts in on her blocking and hitting skills. Josie ranks second on the team and in the top 15 in conference in both kills per set and blocks per set. A Natural Sciences major, she plans on attending Oregon Institute of Technology on the way to a Nursing career.

Hailey came to Siskiyous from Orland, California, and has been "a strong force blocking and attacking" for the Eagles this season, Petricevic said. Hailey is majoring in Agricultural Business

and plans to continue her education at Chico State. Her goal is a Business Management career working for an Ag firm.

Overall, Petricevic said this year's team has stayed consistent despite the "roller coaster of shifting coaches" after head coach Lyndi Scholl stepped back from her role following the birth of her son. The players "continued to work together as a team and did very well."

The Eagles lost Wednesday's final home match to a strong Feather River team which improved its conference record to 9-0 and clinched the GVC championship.

For most of the season, the Eagles kept their overall record at or near .500, and they thrilled their home fans with come-from-behind conference victories over Lassen and Redwoods.

Eagle freshmen who rank high on conference statistical lists include right side hitter Sadie Graviet, middle blocker Ajhana Tagler, outside hitter Quincy Paarsch, and setter Zoe Brooks.

Sadie ranks in the top 10 in conference for kills per set. Quincy ranks in the top 10 for serve receptions and in the top 15 for service aces per set. Ajhana ranks in the top 10 for blocks per set. Zoe ranks in the top 15 for assists per set.

The Eagles were scheduled to finish the season with a pair of matches at Redwoods, one a conference match, the other non-conference.