Volleyball season in full swing at Shafter Rec

The Shafter Recreation and Parks District has their volleyball season in full swing, having completed three weeks of the season. There are 15 teams in the different divisions, with some very competitive play across the board. In the 11U Division, the Dominators are currently in first place, with only one loss on their record, going 4-1 so far this season. They are tied with the Blue Jays at the top, with identical records. Close behind at 3-2 is the Red Dragons. The Dominators are coached by Alissa Ybarra and the Blue Jays are led by Rosamaria Villagomez. Darien Munoz coaches the second place team the Red Dragons.

Luz Pelayo and her Bumblebees have a 3-3 record.

In the 14U division, the Bluey's, coached by Rose Vellagomez are at the top of the standings with a 5-1 record. A half game behind is the Tigers, coached by Bobbi Evans. Isabel Gonzalez is the coach of the Red Aces, who are currently in third place with a 4-2 record.

The Minions, coached by Angel Acosta are in fourth place with a 2-3 record. The talent on the teams are very even and the games are exciting to watch.

They also have been coached well in the fundamentals of the game, giving the players a great opportunity to improve their skills on the court.

The Shafter Rec also has just closed the registrations for the Fall Baseball and Softball Leagues, as well as the Shafter Striders Cross Country team. The Striders compete in several events throughout the valley, competing on a variety of courses, from relatively flat to very hilly courses.

The sport gives its participants an opportunity to improved their endurance, fitness level, and speed as they train on courses in and around Shafter.

The Summer Tennis Camp put on by the Shafter Recreation is entering its third week, with the players getting valuable training in proper technique in each stroke, led by former Valley Tennis Champion Nelson Salinas. Salinas has taught the kids conditioning, proper footwork, as well as proper stroke technique. Salinas said, "The majority of the players are beginners and it is important in teaching them proper technique so they will not pick up any bad habits as they learn how to play."

The camp will run through August 23. Each participant was provided with a racquet, racquet cover and tennis balls, thanks to their generous sponsor N&L Farm Labor Services.