Hypersonic

By Michael Ashcraft --

She's easily the most feared hitter in the league, and it's not even Halloween.

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Jillian Jenkins scored 18 kills and 12 points off serves Tuesday against Lighthouse Christian Academy's toughest rivals, Beacon Hill Classical Academy of Camarillo.

The Saints prevailed in three sets: 25-21, 25-21 and 25-16.

The Gryphons were without their setter, who was injured. So the rematch is sure to be a tenser affair.

The LCA junior has a high leap and a powerful hit. We don't have a radar gun to measure its speed but think its about hypersonic.

Her hits were certainly a challenge for the Gryphons to return. On Tuesday of last week, Gorman Learning Center's girls looked aghast at the lightning bolts hailed down on them.

"Our offense was on today," says Assistant Coach Lauren Jenkins, mother to Jillian.

"Her timing was much better today," Proud Mom says. "She's a great athlete and knows where to place the ball. She practices all the time, so it's just a matter of executing what she already knows."

Jillian says she was locked in because Beacon Hill is a good rival.

How does it feel to be the scariest player in the league? she got asked.

Jill was taken aback by the question and recognized the compliment before joking about the hyperbole.

"They should be intimidated," Jill said. "I'm just kidding. It's all because of our great setters. Shayla (Papik) has great sets. If it wasn't for our team, it's not just me. It's a team effort."

LCA has crowned itself league champion for three straight years, and no end is in sight.

Michael Ashcraft teaches writing and journalism at LCA.