The Haines varsity volleyball team swept Metlakatla last weekend, and next will face some large schools at home and at tournaments.
Coach Judy Erekson said the Glacier Bears endured a 28-hour ferry ride to Metlakatla. She said the varsity squad still “overpowered” the Misschiefs from the start of play, as senior Brook Cinocco and junior Riley Erekson scored 11 straight points on serve.
Haines won both matches: 25-6, 25-16, 25-13; and 25-10, 25-4, 25-21.
Coach Erekson said senior Anna Jacobson and junior Alisha Young had consistent passing to senior Ashley Messerschmidt and sophomore Libby Jacobson at setter, and seniors Teolani Lynch, Amey Messerschmidt and Elizabeth Stevens pounded spikes in the front row.
The junior varsity had more of a struggle in its opening match that went to a fifth game, falling 20-25, 25-16, 14-25, 25-15, 13-15. The team recovered to claim a four-game win, 24-26, 25-7, 25-19, 25-21. Erekson credited the serving of Libby Jacobson and freshman Megan Tuohy in the victory.
The Glacier Bears split with Petersburg at home the previous weekend. Assistant coach Liana Shull said the Haines varsity reached “a new level” on the opening night, besting Petersburg in three games, 25-23, 25-21, 25-23.
“The team played with consistent intensity, and they also made some improvements to their defense, so they were more effective at covering the floor,” Shull said.
She said missed serves hurt the Glacier Bears the following night in a 25-22, 20-25, 22-25, 17-25 loss.
The senior Lynch competed for the first time this season against Petersburg. Shull said Lynch “strengthens our offense, big-time.” Lynch also had several blocks at the net.
“With the shoulder injuries, I haven’t been able to really play, and last night was kind of letting loose, and it felt good,” Lynch said after her first matches.
The junior varsity narrowed the margin, but couldn’t pass Petersburg: 15-25, 14-25, 21-25; and 14-25, 18-25, 23-25. Shull said junior Samantha Lowe showed strong hitting for the Glacier Bears.
The varsity will head to Juneau for a tournament this weekend, in a field that includes large schools from Anchorage and Whitehorse.
“It’s a weekend of intense volleyball, and the team will get to play teams that will challenge them to dig deep and test their mental game, as well,” coach Erekson said.
The Glacier Bears then will host 4A Thunder Mountain at home on Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 12-13, before making the trip to Whitehorse for another tournament.
Haines will send off six seniors during their home finale against Craig, Oct. 21-22.