Recap of CORE’s Varsity Volleyball 2025

The girls’ varsity volleyball season has reached its conclusion, and now, from the calm after the storm, we may look back at one of the most accomplished years in program history. The Lynx finished with a record of 18-8, placed second in the Five Star League (6-2), and achieved a #4 seed in the Division IV Northern Section CIF Playoffs, which is the highest ranking in CORE’s history.

Head Coach Kelsey Klick, alongside Assistant Coach Stephanie Haas, guided the team through a demanding yet rewarding season:

“Each of you improved every week,” Klick said. “You gave it all at every practice, every game. You pushed each other to be better.”

Season Overview

The 2025 campaign was a testament to the Lynx’s consistency, drive, and ability to rise to the moment. CORE began the year by taking down Paradise and Anderson, both solid early wins that set the tone for what was to come.

The team faced formidable opponents throughout the season, including upper-division powerhouses Red Bluff, Oroville, Las Plumas, and Anderson, and came out with victories in several. The Red Bluff match in particular embodied the team’s resilience; CORE rallied from a 20-10 deficit to claim the win. Las Plumas, meanwhile, endured what Klick fondly summarized as “whooping their butts.”

Though the win percentage (.6923) was marginally below last year’s (.6957), the Lynx earned more total victories (18 to 16) and competed across a tougher schedule. They stood out in tournaments, held strong at home (5-1), and proved themselves away (7-5), finishing 6-2 in tournament play.

Timeline:

The season ended in the Division IV semifinals with a hard-fought loss to University Prep, a team on a 13-1 hot streak. Though the Lynx were swept, they remained competitive throughout and finished third overall in the Northern Section CIF standings.

Senior Apple Bolton reflected afterward:

“I’m really proud of how we played against UPrep. They’re a strong, competitive team, and I think we held our own, especially in the second set. It was a great way to finish the season.”

Senior Night

The Lynx’s final home game against Burney doubled as Senior Night. The gym overflowed with students, families, and supporters, all gathered to honor the eight seniors who defined CORE Butte volleyball’s recent success: Macey Ascherman, Zoe Newton, Gracie Rabo, Reagan Coates, Karisa Walborn, Apple Bolton, Allison Freimuth, and Bella Haselton.

CORE varsity swept Burney 25-13, 26-24, and 25-23. Before that match, Assistant Coach Haas led the ceremony, celebrating each senior with flowers, applause, and heartfelt gratitude for “four years of dedication and leadership.”

Gallery • 9 Photos

The seniors!

Leadership & Recognition

Several players were recognized for their performance and impact this season.

Team Awards:

• Lynx Award: Bella Haselton

• Coach’s Award: Allison Freimuth

• Heart & Hustle Award: Elizabeth Jueckstock

League Honors:

• Five Star League MVP: Apple Bolton

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  All-League Players: Reagan Coates, Macey Ascherman, Xiomara Gonzalez

Reagan led the team in kills and serving aces, finishing second in receptions and digs. Apple commanded the front line with dominant blocks and finished second in kills.

Assistant Coach Haas praised the group:

“Even though we were robbed of our league championship, we had three all-league players and the league MVP. We couldn’t be prouder.”

Looking Ahead

Eight of thirteen players will graduate this year, leaving behind one of the strongest senior classes the program has seen. Their two-year combined record (.6940 win ratio) more than doubled the average of earlier seasons (.3298), a legacy that will stand as the standard for years to come.

Next year’s leadership will fall to the rising core of Elizabeth Jueckstock, Faith Rasch, Xiomara Gonzalez, Macey Layfield, and Taylee Aars, each poised to carry the team’s momentum forward.

Coach Klick expressed her faith in the group to come:

“We’re going to miss all our seniors so, so much. Sophomores, be ready. We’re going to need you.”

In the end, the 2025 season was a model of teamwork, endurance, and growth. Through every set and serve, the Lynx forged an identity of tenacity and pride, proving themselves not only as competitors, but as the foundation of CORE Butte volleyball’s future.