The Haines varsity volleyball team traveled to Whitehorse last week for a three-day tournament.
The Glacier Bears twice faced Thunder Mountain, F.H. Collins, Porter Creek and Vanier of Whitehorse, as well as an adult team.
Coach Judy Erekson said the tournament was informal, with games played to 25 points.
“We didn’t really keep track,” she said. “We just played. We probably won more than anybody, overall.”
Twin seniors Amey and Ashley Messerschmidt earned all-tournament recognition.
“Amey had some good hits and blocks and played well at the net,” Erekson said. “Ashley was setting real pretty sets.”
Assistant coach Liana Shull also was an all-tournament performer, on an adult squad that included Erekson and Beckie Chapin of Haines.
When across the net from the Glacier Bears, Shull said she was “very torn.” “I wanted them to do very well, but I’m competitive, so I also like to win.”
Shull played volleyball at the Division II level for Lewis-Clark State College, on a full scholarship, after competing for a high school volleyball powerhouse in Idaho. “It’s always been a big part of my life, and that’s probably why I’m drawn to coaching, because it’s a way to keep that game alive.”
Earlier in the week, Haines topped Thunder Mountain at home, 25-18, 25-19, 28-26; and 25-14, 21-25, 25-20, 25-21. The Glacier Bears also battled the Falcons three times at a Juneau tournament the previous weekend.
Haines will honor seniors Brook Cinocco, Anna Jacobson, Teolani Lynch, Amey and Ashley Messerschmidt and Elizabeth Stevens this weekend during their home finale against Craig.
“This is my fourth year, so I’ve had this group since they were freshmen,” Erekson said. “It’s going to be hard to watch them go.”
She said junior varsity play is scheduled to begin 2 p.m. Friday, due to Haines also hosting a wrestling tournament at the school. Games will start on Saturday once the tournament concludes, she said.
The Glacier Bears are hoping to qualify for state at the regional tournament in Juneau, Nov. 3-5. “The girls are mentally gearing up and recognize that this is the time of the year where everything should come together,” Shull said. “We’ve got to play our game.”