Warriors girls volleyball team mixing youth and experience

First-year Fallbrook High School varsity girls’ volleyball head coach Jason Dale has had the challenge of working some talented young players into the team to support some experienced players to continue the momentum the program has gained of late.

Coming off a 19-18 season last year under former head coach Jeffrey “Chip” Patterson, the Warriors are led by two big senior hitters and two sophomores now in their second year on the varsity team.

“The girls are working hard,” Dale said. “We have a few veterans and a bunch of really young girls who want to make this program great again. I’m really looking forward to an exciting season.”

Dale said senior Sonsi Jarvis will be heavily counted on this season.

“Co-senior captain Sonsi Jarvis is an incredible volleyball player with a huge swing and a strong presence on the court,” Dale said. “She will be a No. 1 hitting threat and player to watch this upcoming season.”

He said fellow senior co-captain Olivia Christopherson is the other big hitter in the lineup.

“She loves to crush the ball, and between her and Sonsi, they’re going to be a one-two combo that will be difficult to stop,” Dale said.

Freshman setter Annie Riley joins the team and will be heavily counted on to make the Warriors go this season.

“She’s earned her spot as our varsity setter and is something incredibly special to watch,” Dale said. “She’s fast, determined, makes incredibly smart choices in difficult situations ensuring that our hitters have the best chance to be successful.”

Dale said sophomores Sophia Badillo as middle blocker and outside hitter and Ashlynn Craven as outside hitter and libero are back in 2019.

“Both of these girls are returning varsity players as freshman,” Dale said. With our young team, these girls are being expected to lead and play at a high level and they’re only sophomores.”

The Warriors are scheduled to play in the Sweetwater Varsity Tournament Friday and Saturday, Aug. 30-31, and come home to take on San Marcos High School Wednesday, Sept. 4, in the East Gym at 4:30 p.m.

Jeff Pack can be reached by email at [email protected].