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GIRLS VOLLEYBALL: Spartans set goals higher
Lathrop wants to build on its best season in program history
bulletin girls volleyball 2019
Returning standout Jahsita Fa’ali’i hits into the defense of Rylie Asunsion - photo by DAVE CAMPBELL/The Bulletin
LATHROP — Heather Anderson has the Lathrop volleyball team heading in the right direction.
In 2016, Anderson assumed control of the volleyball program and led the Spartans to their first-ever winning season the following year, missing the playoffs by just a game.
In 2018, Lathrop moved from the Valley Oak League to the Western Athletic Conference and went 12-2 in the WAC, 14-8 overall. The Spartans made the playoffs for the first time in program history while splitting the season series with league champion Beyer of Modesto and finishing in second place a game behind the Patriots.
Another first last season was making the playoffs, but Lathrop was defeated in the opener 3-1 on the road against Christian Brothers of Sacramento.    
“After finishing second place in the WAC last season we are chasing Beyer for the top spot this year and aiming for our first league title in program history,” Anderson said. “We were so close last year that it has given us even more motivation to do whatever it takes to get over the hump.  
“Returning senior outside hitter Jahsita Fa’ali’i will be instrumental in getting us there.  I’m excited to get my team in the gym to get to work.”  
Fa’ali’i is a senior and was first-team all-WAC as well as the WAC Offensive Player of the Year. She has some big shoes to fill with the graduation of three-year starter and all-WAC setter Karina Chavez and four-year starter Avleen Kaur.
 Lathrop hosts Franklin of Stockton to kick off the season Wednesday, Aug. 28, and faces Beyer in the league opener on the road Thursday, Aug. 12 at 6 p.m.