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KNIGHT VOLLEYBALL 2007
LEAGUE CHAMPIONS - 1976, 1977, 1978, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2006


(Above) Volleyball Team Picture for 2007
Knights Look to Next Year
BETHANY CURRAN THE LONE SOPHOMORE
(11/24/07-Sacramento) The Shasta College volleyball team fell to top-seeded Sacramento City 30-18, 30-23, 30-25 in the second round of the Northern California playoffs on Saturday. Kelsey McGee had nine kills, 16 digs and three blocks to lead Shasta, which just missed reaching the state tournament, final 8. Alexis Han had four kills and eight digs, while Ashley Webster added 15 assists and three blocks.The Knights, who were a freshman-dominated team, end the season with a 17-12 record.
Knights Sweep Into Round Two
REEDLEY OUT IN THREE
(11/20/07-Shasta College-Jeffrey Jen Searchlight article) With members from last year’s state tournament team watching, this season’s Knights took one step closer to return trip to Fresno. Alexis Han pounded out 16 kills and Kelsey McGee added 15 kills as the eighth-seeded Shasta College volleyball team swept past No. 9 Reedley 30-19, 30-23, 30-24 at home Tuesday in a first-round Northern California playoff game. A year ago, the Knights won two home playoff games to advance to the state Elite Eight tournament in Fresno. This year, though, Shasta may have to go on the road for its second-round playoff game — and in the toughest of places against top-seeded Sacramento City. The Panthers beat No. 16 Solano on Tuesday. Shasta (17-11) travels to Sac City with a chance for a second straight state tourney berth on the line on Saturday. Another trip to state seemed like a difficult scenario at the start of the year. Shasta, a young team with only one sophomore, the rest freshmen, were replacing almost of all of last year’s standout team. But, the team came together and played its best when it matters most — the postseason. “They played well the whole match,” Knights coach Kelly Brazil said. “At the end of the season, that’s when you want to play at your best and this team is doing that.” Despite Tuesday being the first playoff game at the junior college level for most of the team, Shasta showed few nerves. Instead, it was three games of pounding the ball through the Tigers’ defense. “We were nervous before the match,” McGee said. “But, once things started, it went away. We just played our game, very aggressive and giving it our all.” A big advantage Shasta had was that Reedley didn’t have tall middle blockers, no Tigers player was taller than 5-foot-9. Han and McGee spent much of the match hitting over the Reedley block. “Kelsey and I were jumping high and hitting hard all match,” Han said. Shasta middle blocker Danielle Nance had seven kills, sophomore Bethany Curran chipped in five kills and five blocks, while Aqueela Zoll had six kills from the right side. Setter Ashley Webster finished with 42 assists. Reedley (17-7) struggled with its passing, though the Knights serving had a bit to do with it. The Tigers’ top hitter Alyssa Whited had 12 kills and 15 digs, while Sydney Furlong addded seven kills while Joy Hammon had 27 assists. The Knights also were impressive defensively. McGee had 17 digs, libero Daniele Werthmann had 16 and Han contributed 12. This allowed Shasta to roll to a big lead midway through the first game and cruise. The second game was tougher as Reedley took a brief 17-15 lead. But, a McGee kill started a six-point run to give control of the game to the Knights. Reedley again hung tough through the middle of the third game, even leading as late as 17-16. But McGee had another kill, Nance added a block and a kill and a Curran ace again turned the tide and the Knights never relinquished their lead.Reporter Jeffrey Jen can be
reached at 225-8228 or at jjen@redding.com.
Knights Host First Round
REEDLEY HERE TUESDAY NIGHT @ 6:00 PM
(11/19/07-Shasta College) The Shasta College volleyball team earned a No. 8 seed in the Northern California playoffs on Sunday. The Knights (16-11) host No. 9 Reedley at 6 p.m. Tuesday in a first-round game. A win would likely mean a trip to top-seeded Sacramento City for the next playoff game. "It was surprise to get a home game," Knights coach Kelly Brazil said. "But I'll take it." Shasta won two home games last year to make the state Elite Eight tournament. This time, they will get one home game and then likely have to go on to the road for the second game.College of the Siskiyous earned a No. 6 seed after sweeping through the Golden Valley Conference. The Eagles host No. 11 DeAnza at 6 p.m. Tuesday for its first-round game. Siskiyous middle blocker Jennifer Mendenhall was named GVC MVP. For Shasta, outside hitter Kelsey McGee, middle blocker Danielle Nance, defensive specialist Daniele Werthmann were chosen to the all-conference team. Sophomore middle blocker Bethany Curran got honorable mention.
Season Sweep of Butte
ALEXIS HAN LEADS WITH 12 KILLS
(11/7/07-Oroville) Shasta 3, Butte 1 -- The Knights pulled off a season sweep over the rival Roadrunners, winning 30-24, 30-15, 24-30,30-28 on the road. Alexis Han had 12 kills, while Kelsey McGee added nine kills and Bethany Curran had five blocks for Shasta (7-2 Golden Valley Conference, 15-10). The Knights travel to Feather River on Friday with a chance to keep second place in league to themselves.
Knights Fall in Five
FACE BUTTE ON WEDNESDAY
(11/2/07-Shasta College) Siskiyous 3, Shasta 2 - The Knights fell 24-30, 30-16,
23-30, 30-22, 15-10. Kelsey McGee and Alexis Han had 13 kills each. Ashley Webster had 40 assists.
Modesto Falls in Four
HAN & McGEE LEAD
Shasta 3, Modesto 1 - The Knights came up with another home win 28-30, 30-19, 30-27, 32-30 despite a rash of errors. Alexis Han had 17 kills and Kelsey McGee added 15 kills for Shasta (14-9). Danielle Nance had five blocks, while Bethany Curran added four blocks. Ashley Webster had 37 assists and five aces.
Tough West Valley
KNIGHTS WIN GAME ONE
(10/20/07-Shasta College) T he Knights women's volleyball team took the first game, but fell at home 18-30, 30-22, 30-28, 30-25 to West Valley on Saturday. Kelsey McGee had 19 kills and 22 digs to lead Shasta (11-9), while Danielle Nance had 11 kills and Bethany Curran and Alexis Han eight apiece. Daniele Werthmann finished with 23 digs.
Knights Roll FRC in Three
MCGEE & NANCE LEAD
Shasta 3, Feather River 0 -- Kelsey McGee and Danielle Nance both had 13 kills, while Ashley Webster had 36 assists in Shasta's 30-19, 30-16, 30-23 win.
Knights Thump Butte
MCGEE WITH 20 KILLS
(10/18/07-Jeffrey Jen Searchlight Article) Traditionally, Butte-Shasta volleyball matches decide Golden Valley Conference titles. Thanks to the Siskiyous team from the north or the Feather River team to the southeast, that isn't the case this year. That didn't stop the Knights from delivering a four-game pounding to the rival Roadrunners 30-21, 30-26, 28-30, 30-26 at the Shasta College gymnasium on Wednesday. Kelsey McGee hammered 20 kills and three teammates also reached double figures in that category as Shasta (3-1 GVC, 11-8) seized second place league by itself, a game behind Siskiyous and a half-game in front of Feather River. "We're being a lot smarter hitters compared to the beginning of the season," said Knights setter Ashley Webster, who had 44 assists and 13 digs. "Early on, we made a lot of high school mistakes, but we're seeing the floor more." McGee also had 15 digs and four aces, while fellow outside hitter Alexis Han had 10 kills, 16 digs and four aces. The middle blockers also faired well for Shasta as Danielle Nance had 12 kills and five blocks and Bethany Curran added 11 kills and four blocks. Knights libero Daniele Werthmann had a match-high 22 digs and Ashley Adams added 14 digs. The victory over the Roadrunners sets up a key home match against Feather River at 6 p.m. today. The Knights will be looking to avoid a third-game letdown against the Golden Eagles, one which extended their match with Butte (2-2 GVC, 10-13). Shasta rolled through the first two games and were up comfortably 20-14 in the third game. The Roadrunners, however, displayed more emotion and spirit, fighting back to win the next six points. Butte middle blocker Whitney Swaim put down a kill to break a 26-all deadlock. Nance answered with a kill, but the Knights made two straight hitting errors to put the Roadrunners in control of the game. Butte's Katelyn Dorsett then put the ball away on a slide step attack to the right at game point. Fresh from the game victory, Butte raced out to an 11-4 edge in the fourth game. But, the Knights started to come to life again, winning the next six points. "We had a letdown in our intensity," said Nance, who had 12 kills and five blocks on the night. "But then we picked it up and were able to pull ourselves back into the match." Down 14-13, Shasta turned to McGee for two straight kills before Knights setter Ashley Webster caught a lucky break when her serve hit the net and flopped over for a service ace. That gave Shasta a lead it wouldn't relinquish, though Butte made a late run to get to within 26-24 when Nance tapped the ball into the net on an attack. Yet, Shasta didn't falter this time. The two teams exchanged kills before Nance rebounded, spiking the ball on successive points to make it 29-25. On the second match point, Nance then pounded a quick set up the middle down front of the Butte back row. The Roadrunners libero Kelsey Sloat, a Fall River graduate, had 19 digs. Liz Mickiewicz and Amanda Mueller had eight kills apiece, while Tamara Moore also had 15 digs. Reporter Jeffrey Jen can be reached at
225-8228 or at jjen@redding.com
Knights Roll Redwoods
COS NEXT IN WEED
(10/10/07-Jeffrey Jen) The Knights got comfortable back home in a hurry. The Shasta College volleyball team cruised past College of the Redwoods 30-17, 30-20, 30-18 on Tuesday, playing on its home floor for the first time in more than a month. Alexis Han had nine kills and Kelsey McGee added eight as the Knights improved to 2-0 in Golden Valley Conference play (10-7 overall). "We're a lot better than when we were at the start of the year," sophomore middle blocker Bethany Curran said. "We play more as a team now and communicate better." However, Shasta has a couple of big tests on the horizon. The Knights travel to rival Siskiyous for a 6 p.m. Friday match between what Shasta coach Kelly Brazil believes are the two best GVC teams. The Knights then host their other rival Butte at 6 p.m. Wednesday. Those two matches should show where Shasta is in its quest to repeat as conference champions. "The game at Siskiyous is going to be tough one to win," Curran said. "But, I think we can do it." Against the Corsairs, the Knights again showed potential -- and also showed inexperience by letting Redwoods come back. Shasta rolled through the first game, punctuated by an ace off McGee's jump serve. The Knights stormed out in the second game, going up 7-1. However, a rash of missed shots and a intensity letdown changed things. Redwoods climbed to 16-15 after a McGee service error, one of six on the game for Shasta. But the freshman outside hitter atoned with two straight kills to begin a 5-0 run that put Shasta back in control. Han would eventually finish things with an attack crosscourt through the Redwoods defense. "We have a lot of hitters as far as talent goes," McGee said. "We've been learning how to use all of them and be more balanced in our attacks." The third game saw the Knights again start strong, going up 12-3. But, the Corsairs scored five straight points to fight back, two on aces by the Corsairs' Pam Deeter. "We still don't have the great ball control that we need," Brazil said. "There is still room for improvement. The good thing is this team isn't happy with way the they've played and want to get better." That showed as Shasta again surged ahead again as Megan Thompson served an ace and Curran blocked a Redwoods attack. Knights freshman setter Ashley Webster had 22 assists, while libero Ashley Adams added 12 digs. Reporter Jeffrey Jen can be reached at 225-8228 or at jjen@redding.com.
Knights Down Yuba
McGEE & WEBSTER LEAD
(9/25/07-Marysville) Shasta 3, Yuba 1 -- Kelsey McGee had 15 kills and Ashley Webster had 40 assists for the Knights (7-4).Bethany Curran and Danielle Nance added 11 kills apiece for Shasta.
Knights Handle Wolverines
WEBSTER WITH 61 ASSISTS!
(9/19/07-Rocklin) Shasta 3, Sierra 2 -- The Knights handled the Wolverines 30-26, 26-30, 30- 24, 31-37, 15-11. Kelsey McGee had 29 kills, and teammate Alexis Han had 13 for Shasta (6-4). Ashley Webster accumulated 61 assists.
De Anza Tourney
KNIGHTS DROP PAIR
(9/15/07-Cupertino) The Knights lost twice Saturday. Shasta lost to Sac City 21-30,
30-9, 30-27, 30-18, then the Knights (5-4) lost to DeAnza 27-30, 30-23, 30-22,
30-26. Kelsey McGee had 34 kills on the day.
Knights Work For Victory
McGEE & CURRAN LEAD
(9/7/07-Redding) The Knights had to work for their victory after a first game loss, but bounced back for a 3-1 win, 24-30, 30-28, 30-15, 30-26. Kelsey McGee had 15 kills, and Bethany Curran added 12 kills. Ashley Webster finished with 39 assists. Shasta plays against West Valley at the American River Tournament
at 12:30 p.m. today.

(above) Early season team picture 2007
McGee Leads Sweep
DIABLO VALLEY FALLS IN FOUR
(9/1/07- Redding) Kelsey McGee had 17 kills and four aces as Shasta swept visiting Diablo Valley College in three games 30-21, 30-27, 30-20 on Saturday. Bethany Curran added six kills and setter Ashley Webster had 24 assists. Ashley Adams added five service aces as nine Knights recorded kills. Shasta hosts Solano, a playoff team last year, at 4 p.m. Friday. The Knights then participate in the American River Classic, drawing West Valley in the tournament
opener Saturday.
Knights Handle Foothill
CONTROL JITTERS AFTER FIRST GAME
(8/29/07-Shasta College-Jeffrey Jen Searchlight) A different group of players, same result. With a renovated cast, the Shasta College volleyball team opened its season with a 26-30, 30-18, 30-22, 30-27 victory over visiting Foothill College on Wednesday. The Knights struggled in the first game, appearing to battle nerves. It was understandable since, aside from sophomore middle blocker Bethany Curran, the Foothill match was a first at the junior college level for the entire team. Sparked by the serving and setting of Ashley Webster, and the hitting of Danielle Nance, Shasta came out on top. Nance, a freshman middle blocker from Redding Christian, had a fantastic debut with a match-high 14 kills, no hitting errors and a .538 hitting percentage. Webster had five aces in the second game to turn things around for the Knights. She finished with 32 assists. “Her serving gave us a lift when we needed one,” Knights coach Kelly Brazil said. “For the match, it wasn’t pretty, but we’ll take the win.” Being victorious was a common theme for last year’s Knights team, which went 25-7 and qualified for the state tournament. This season’s squad is vastly different. “It’s hard to compare the two teams since the players are so different,” Curran said. “We know we have so much potential. There are a lot of talented players on this team.” This is a deeper team as freshmen outside hitters Kelsey McGee and Megan Thompson had nine and seven kills respectively, while McGee added three aces. Curran had five kills, but also five blocks while libero Danielle Werthmann finished with 27 digs. Foothill took the first game against the more inexperienced Knights before things changed. “Everyone was feeling pretty nervous early,” Nance said. “Then, we started to get more intense and get more into the match. It was a good learning experience, especially adjusting to the speed of the game at this level.” Shasta was a quick study, jumping out to a 10-3 lead in game two and maintained that edge thanks to Webster’s serving.Both teams struggled with hitting and ball-handling errors at times. Shasta’s passing was inconsistent, while Foothill didn’t have its starting setter and had to turn to outside hitter Lori Maumasi for setting duties. Maumasi had 33 assists, while Becca Hagemann had 11 kills and Ari Torres added 10. Shasta’s serving and passing consistency helped grind Foothill down. “As soon as our passing got a little sharper, we were able to get going,” Brazil said. The Knights surge ahead with an 8-2 run to go up 21-15 in game three. Shasta eventually turned to McGee, who was playing despite a sprained right ankle, to close out the game on successive kills. Foothill led for most of the fourth game as back-to-back kills by Maumasi put the Owls up 26-23. But, Shasta came back and tied things at 27 when Curran stuffed Foothill middle blocker Tino Alono. After an Owl hitting error, opposite hitter Brynn Ross added another block to get to match point. One more Foothill hit into the met, Shasta’s new crew came out with a familiar result. The Knights host Diablo Valley at 1 p.m. Saturday. Reporter Jeffrey Jen can be reached at 225-8228 or at jjen@redding.com.
Build on GVC Title
BETHANY CURRAN RETURNS
(8/26/07-Jeffrey Jen Searchlight) It's easy to dismiss 2007 as a rebuilding year for the Shasta College volleyball team. All the 2006 Knights squad did was run undefeated through the Golden Valley Conference, grab the league title, advance to the state tournament and finish 25-7. Knights coach Kelly Brazil has one player -- starting middle blocker Bethany Curran -- returning. The rest are all new faces to the program. However, Brazil believes in the 2007 version. "I really think this team is full of potential," Brazil said following Saturday's home scrimmage. "We have some very rough edges for sure, but we do have the chance to be quite good. We definitely have more depth than last year." Last year's team wasn't deep, but those who were out there on the court were pretty special. Gone are all-state outside hitter in C.J. Neathamer and two-time all-conference setter Gloria Bacciarini and two other all-conference players. Standing in their place is a different, but athletic, cast with plenty of hitting options. However, volleyball is a sport where a premium gets placed on other skills such as passing, court coverage and speed in transition. It was in those areas where the '06 Knights excelled and was the basis for their huge year. So far, that is where the 2007 squad struggles. At Saturday's scrimmage with Simpson University, College of the Siskiyous and Lassen College, there were moments where Shasta dazzled. On other occasions, Brazil said, "We're a very young, freshman-heavy team and, at times, it shows." Still, her team gives Brazil enough confidence to believe Shasta can compete with an improved Siskiyous squad and an always dangerous Butte College team for another conference title. Curran could see more time on the back row and will be joined at middle blocker by freshman Danielle Nance of Redding Christian. The top offensive player is 5-foot-10 freshman outside hitter Kelsey McGee, a two-year starter at Foothill High School. The other main outside option is either Aquila Zoll of Shasta High School or Megan Thompson of Modoc. The right-side hitting role is expected to be filled by Alexis Han, a freshman from Bishop Quinn with impressive leaping abilities. Ashley Webster comes out of Oregon to step in at setter. Possibilities at the spot also include Brynn Ross of Red Bluff and Ashley Adams of Shasta High. Daniele Werthmann figures to step in as a defensive specialist in the back row, spilling one of the middle blockers in the rotation, but has enough skills where Brazil may also consider her as another option at outside hitter. Also in the mix in some hitting capacity is Modoc's Alysha Northrupp. "Passing and defense was the forte of last year's team," Brazil said. "But, we're going to make it our forte this year." Shasta opens the season with a 3 p.m. game Wednesday against Foothill College. Shasta also hosts Diablo Valley at 1 p.m. Saturday, and has games with Napa and Solano on Sept. 7. The downside of the early home games is that Shasta hits the road after that and doesn't return home until league season begins in October. Reporter Jeffrey Jen can be reached at 225-8228 or at jjen@redding.com.

(Printable copy of the volleyball schedule)

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