The Haines volleyball team split two matches with Sitka in a back-and-forth battle last weekend.
“I think the girls kind of raised the bar in terms of what they expect from themselves as a team,” said assistant coach Liana Shull. “Even though they were a bit disappointed in the loss on Saturday, I think it gave them some clear ideas of what they needed to do to be even stronger and more competitive.”
The varsity Glacier Bears hosted their home opener Friday, Sept. 9, and edged Sitka in four games, 25-20, 20-25, 25-19, 25-15.
The Wolves rebounded in a five-game thriller on Saturday. Haines fell by the score of 17-25, 25-22, 25-21, 16-25, 10-15.
“I thought the girls dug the ball amazingly well on both nights, and they passed really well on serve-receive,” Shull said. “I think an area that really hurt us was serving – we missed a lot of serves – and converting tips.”
The experience-heavy team includes seniors Brook Cinocco, Anna Jacobson, Amey and Ashley Messerschmidt and Elizabeth Stevens, but senior Teolani Lynch continues to be out due to injury.
The Glacier Bears were coming off a sweep of Wrangell, and drew an enthusiastic crowd at the Karl Ward Gymnasium.
“We had a good turnout and the crowd seemed to really enjoy the level of play,” Shull said. “I’m hoping to draw an even bigger crowd at the next home game against Petersburg in two weeks.”
The Haines junior varsity showed progress but trailed Sitka 15-25, 12-25, 13-25 and 13-25, 18-25, 19-25. Both matches were on Saturday due to travel delays.
The Glacier Bears next will head to Mount Edgecumbe for another conference clash.
“Mount Edgecumbe is a really consistent team,” Shull said. “They dig everything, and they’re consistent in all areas, and that’s what we’re shooting for going into that game.”