ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Jalyn Ayala Brawley Union High volleyball
BRAWLEY — The Brawley Union High volleyball team picked up a pair of wins against Central Union and Calexico highs to open Imperial Valley League play. The Wildcats dominated in the games, beating the Spartans 25-10, 25-9 and 25-13 and the Bulldogs 25-10, 25-12 and 2513.
Helping Brawley to the 2-0 league start and an overall record of 7-4 was junior setter Jalyn Ayala.
The 5-foot-6-inch starter paced the team in assists and service points in the games as well as throughout the season.
Ayala’s diversity on the court is that much more surprising considering she’s returning from a partially torn MCL.
“I did summer workouts and was still at the practices,” Ayala explained.
This is Ayala’s second year serving as the team’s setter and has a good rapport with her hitters that shows on the court.
“I am more comfortable this year because I know the hitters, I know where they want the ball,” Ayala said.
In addition to strong hitting and serving, this year’s Wildcats have great chemistry making the team excited for its future, Ayala explained.
“We’re really excited about CIF, but right now we’re taking it one game at a time,” she said. “We’re focusing on IVL right now and worrying about CIF later.” My Favorites Pro athlete Keilani Ricketts Team Oklahoma Sooners Class Math
TV show Dance Moms
Actor Kevin Hart Song “Congratulations” Musician Bruno Mars What do you enjoy most about your sport? I enjoy being with the team and that we all have fun together. Our coach makes practices and games fun and I just enjoy that we all get along. What is one of your more memorable moments in your sport? Earlier when we competed in a tournament and made it to the championship game. Who inspires you and why? My parents inspire me because they are always supportive of what I do. What are your goals for the rest of this season? To win IVL and to possibly win CIF too.