Palmer 3 Colony 1
Palmer's Kendall Vanzke and Morgan Morfe each recorded 13 kills Tuesday in a 21-25, 25-13, 25-14, 25-20 home win over Colony.
Jenna Arlow set up the offense for the Moose, notching 28 assists, and Chantel Grover led the defense with seven digs.
Colony's offensive leaders were Shellina Irwin and Allison Leigh with 13 kills apiece, Mary Klapperich with eight kills and Olivia Martin with 22 assists. The defense was anchored by Irwin's nine digs and Klapperich's six blocks.
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Showing posts with label Newspaper Articles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Newspaper Articles. Show all posts
September 17, 2010
Sports : Moose spike rival Knights - Frontiersman
Sports : Moose spike rival Knights - Frontiersman
Moose spike rival Knights
BY TIM ROCKEY
For the Frontiersman
Published on Friday, September 17, 2010 12:33 AM AKDT
PALMER — The Palmer Moose used a variety of weapons to wear down Colony and improve to 4-0 in Northern Lights Conference play with a 3-1 (17-25, 25-23, 25-14, 25-20) win over the Knights at Palmer High School on Tuesday.
Palmer underclassmen Lilly Cullers sent the Moose on one of their bigger momentum swings of the match, serving for nine straight points during the win over their rival.
“She was clutch,” Palmer head coach Steve Reynolds said. “She was serving with pinpoint accuracy. She was hitting all her spots. I havn’t seen that out of her yet.” Cullers picked up two aces on three concecutive short serves to the Colony front row. To get the home crowd excited, Palmer’s Rebecca Stella made an outstanding diving hustle play to keep the streak alive.
Mary Klapperich ended the run with a powerful block. Klapperich finished with a team-high 12 kills. Klapperich and fellow sophomore twin tower Allison Leigh teamed for five blocks, wreaking havoc for Moose hitters throughout the match.
After losing the second game, Colony bounced back strong in the third set.
Colony senior Shellina Irwin used a unique underhand serve for a streak of three points during the final game. Irwin, who typically hits the ball with a high velocity, sported sort of an ironic twist to her game with the underhanded attempts. Reynolds said, overall, a key was containing the Colony senior.
“She plays great defense,” Reynolds said. “We want to keep the ball away from her.”
Irwin, Leigh and Klapperich weren’t enough for the Knights though. After catching the Moose off balance in the first game, Palmer slowly got back on track. After battling through a tough second set, Palmer found it’s rhythm.
Junior Morgan Morfe helped spark that momentum with five of her team-high 13 kills in the third game. Morfe wasn’t the only Moose player in on the action. Palmer setter Jenna Arlow spread the wealth around, finishing with 28 assists in the win.
Five Moose had at least four kills in the victory.
The Moose stay undefeated with the win, but Reynolds stressed the need to continue to improve.
“We have Wasilla coming up, and the West Spiketacular,” Reynolds said. “We’ll get a lot of work on the whole team thing. We have so much to prepare for, so much stuff to work on,”
The Knights fell to 1-3 with the loss.
“We’re struggling at this point, so we’re hoping tonight is the turnaround point,” Colony head coach Amy Carter said.
Colony served well, picking up four aces spread throughout the team during the game, but just like during its loss to Wasilla last week, unforced errors led to the Knights’ downfall.
Colony will try to rebound tonight against Chugiak. The Knights host the Mustangs at 4:30 p.m. at CHS.
Tim Rockey is a senior at Palmer High School and contributes to the Mat-Su Valley schools and sports sections.
Moose spike rival Knights
BY TIM ROCKEY
For the Frontiersman
Published on Friday, September 17, 2010 12:33 AM AKDT
PALMER — The Palmer Moose used a variety of weapons to wear down Colony and improve to 4-0 in Northern Lights Conference play with a 3-1 (17-25, 25-23, 25-14, 25-20) win over the Knights at Palmer High School on Tuesday.
Palmer underclassmen Lilly Cullers sent the Moose on one of their bigger momentum swings of the match, serving for nine straight points during the win over their rival.
“She was clutch,” Palmer head coach Steve Reynolds said. “She was serving with pinpoint accuracy. She was hitting all her spots. I havn’t seen that out of her yet.” Cullers picked up two aces on three concecutive short serves to the Colony front row. To get the home crowd excited, Palmer’s Rebecca Stella made an outstanding diving hustle play to keep the streak alive.
Mary Klapperich ended the run with a powerful block. Klapperich finished with a team-high 12 kills. Klapperich and fellow sophomore twin tower Allison Leigh teamed for five blocks, wreaking havoc for Moose hitters throughout the match.
After losing the second game, Colony bounced back strong in the third set.
Colony senior Shellina Irwin used a unique underhand serve for a streak of three points during the final game. Irwin, who typically hits the ball with a high velocity, sported sort of an ironic twist to her game with the underhanded attempts. Reynolds said, overall, a key was containing the Colony senior.
“She plays great defense,” Reynolds said. “We want to keep the ball away from her.”
Irwin, Leigh and Klapperich weren’t enough for the Knights though. After catching the Moose off balance in the first game, Palmer slowly got back on track. After battling through a tough second set, Palmer found it’s rhythm.
Junior Morgan Morfe helped spark that momentum with five of her team-high 13 kills in the third game. Morfe wasn’t the only Moose player in on the action. Palmer setter Jenna Arlow spread the wealth around, finishing with 28 assists in the win.
Five Moose had at least four kills in the victory.
The Moose stay undefeated with the win, but Reynolds stressed the need to continue to improve.
“We have Wasilla coming up, and the West Spiketacular,” Reynolds said. “We’ll get a lot of work on the whole team thing. We have so much to prepare for, so much stuff to work on,”
The Knights fell to 1-3 with the loss.
“We’re struggling at this point, so we’re hoping tonight is the turnaround point,” Colony head coach Amy Carter said.
Colony served well, picking up four aces spread throughout the team during the game, but just like during its loss to Wasilla last week, unforced errors led to the Knights’ downfall.
Colony will try to rebound tonight against Chugiak. The Knights host the Mustangs at 4:30 p.m. at CHS.
Tim Rockey is a senior at Palmer High School and contributes to the Mat-Su Valley schools and sports sections.
August 27, 2010
Sports : Defending champs return to court - Frontiersman
Sports : Defending champs return to court - Frontiersman
By Jeremiah Bartz
Frontiersman
Published on Monday, August 23, 2010 9:47 PM AKDT
PALMER — Just as he did in each of his first 10 years at the helm of the Palmer volleyball program, head coach Steve Reynolds is entering the 2010 season with a few questions.
There are a few players who Reynolds can quickly ink into the starting lineup. But it may take time until he can pencil others in. Reynolds is still wondering how to replace a few of his valuable graduated seniors who helped Palmer win the 2009 Northern Lights Conference title, and is curious how his Moose will fare in the upcoming Chugiak Invitational.But Reynolds said there are also things the longtime Moose mentor is very confident about
“I really like this group as a whole,” Reynolds said Monday. “It’s a real nice, cohesive group.”
If Reynolds and the Moose aren’t able to find that perfect mesh immediately, Palmer shouldn’t panic. Last season, Palmer overcame a slow start, peaked at the end of the season and beat rival Colony for the NLC title.
Leading the charge this season is a group that includes senior outside hitter Kendal Venzke.“She does a lot of nice, quiet work,” Reynolds said. “She’s not a flashy player, but her whole game is real solid.”
Venzke is joined in the senior class by Chantel Grover. Setter Jenna Arlow, outside hitter Morgan Morfe and middle blocker Kalene Smith are juniors returning to the varsity squad.
Arlow earned a wealth of setting experience as a sophomore and will be the unquestioned court general this year, Reynolds said.“She’ll be our quarterback,” Reynolds said. “She’ll be running the show.”Junior middle blocker Kasara Brandenburg and junior setter Anna Koehn, who were promoted from the junior varsity squad before the NLC tourney last season, also return.
Palmer graduated a pair of first-team all-conference players in Nicole Cherrier and Brittany Arlow. Reynolds said it’s been difficult finding a replacement for Brittany Arlow, the team’s libero in 2009.“She’s a tough one to replace,” Reynolds said. “We’re trying out some different people.”Reynolds’ squad will have an opportunity to hit the court again this weekend during the Chugiak Invitational at Chugiak High School.
Palmer begins pool play in the Chugiak Invitational Friday at 2:50 p.m. against defending state champion Dimond.The Moose start the 2010 NLC season Sept. 3-4 at Kodiak.Contact Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.
By Jeremiah Bartz
Frontiersman
Published on Monday, August 23, 2010 9:47 PM AKDT
PALMER — Just as he did in each of his first 10 years at the helm of the Palmer volleyball program, head coach Steve Reynolds is entering the 2010 season with a few questions.
There are a few players who Reynolds can quickly ink into the starting lineup. But it may take time until he can pencil others in. Reynolds is still wondering how to replace a few of his valuable graduated seniors who helped Palmer win the 2009 Northern Lights Conference title, and is curious how his Moose will fare in the upcoming Chugiak Invitational.But Reynolds said there are also things the longtime Moose mentor is very confident about
“I really like this group as a whole,” Reynolds said Monday. “It’s a real nice, cohesive group.”
If Reynolds and the Moose aren’t able to find that perfect mesh immediately, Palmer shouldn’t panic. Last season, Palmer overcame a slow start, peaked at the end of the season and beat rival Colony for the NLC title.
Leading the charge this season is a group that includes senior outside hitter Kendal Venzke.“She does a lot of nice, quiet work,” Reynolds said. “She’s not a flashy player, but her whole game is real solid.”
Venzke is joined in the senior class by Chantel Grover. Setter Jenna Arlow, outside hitter Morgan Morfe and middle blocker Kalene Smith are juniors returning to the varsity squad.
Arlow earned a wealth of setting experience as a sophomore and will be the unquestioned court general this year, Reynolds said.“She’ll be our quarterback,” Reynolds said. “She’ll be running the show.”Junior middle blocker Kasara Brandenburg and junior setter Anna Koehn, who were promoted from the junior varsity squad before the NLC tourney last season, also return.
Palmer graduated a pair of first-team all-conference players in Nicole Cherrier and Brittany Arlow. Reynolds said it’s been difficult finding a replacement for Brittany Arlow, the team’s libero in 2009.“She’s a tough one to replace,” Reynolds said. “We’re trying out some different people.”Reynolds’ squad will have an opportunity to hit the court again this weekend during the Chugiak Invitational at Chugiak High School.
Palmer begins pool play in the Chugiak Invitational Friday at 2:50 p.m. against defending state champion Dimond.The Moose start the 2010 NLC season Sept. 3-4 at Kodiak.Contact Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.
Sports : Moose sweep Houston to open regular season - Frontiersman
Sports : Moose sweep Houston to open regular season - Frontiersman
Published on Thursday, August 26, 2010 11:49 PM AKDT
PALMER — The Palmer Moose opened the 2010 season with a 3-0 (25-11, 25-9, 25-6) win over the Houston Hawks Tuesday at Palmer High School.Junior Morgan Morfe led the Moose with seven kills, while senior Chantel Grover added six. Jenna Arlow collected 18 assists and six aces for Palmer.Samantha Dodds had a pair of kills for Houston.
Palmer is one of three Valley squads that hit the court for the Chugiak Invitational, starting today at Chugiak High School. Wasilla and Colony are also among a dozen teams competing in the two-day tournament.
Published on Thursday, August 26, 2010 11:49 PM AKDT
PALMER — The Palmer Moose opened the 2010 season with a 3-0 (25-11, 25-9, 25-6) win over the Houston Hawks Tuesday at Palmer High School.Junior Morgan Morfe led the Moose with seven kills, while senior Chantel Grover added six. Jenna Arlow collected 18 assists and six aces for Palmer.Samantha Dodds had a pair of kills for Houston.
Palmer is one of three Valley squads that hit the court for the Chugiak Invitational, starting today at Chugiak High School. Wasilla and Colony are also among a dozen teams competing in the two-day tournament.
January 21, 2010
Sports : Menard Sports Center new home of prep volleyball tourney - Frontiersman
Sports : Menard Sports Center new home of prep volleyball tourney - Frontiersman
Posted using ShareThis
By Jeremiah Bartz
Frontiersman
Published on Saturday, December 26, 2009 6:41 PM AKST
WASILLA — Palmer head coach Steve Reynolds admitted he was surprised when he first learned Palmer High School would be hosting the 3A and 4A state volleyball tournaments at the Curtis C. Menard Memorial Sports Center starting in 2010.
But the longtime Palmer head coach wasn’t sure what surprised him more — the reality the state’s biggest tourney would be in the Valley or the fact that the event would no longer be at West Anchorage High School.“It’s been at West High for so long, and Bartlett before that,” Reynolds said. “I thought it was pretty monumental that they moved it at all.”
But earlier this month, thanks to some quick work by officials at both Palmer High and the Menard Sports Center, the Alaska Schools Activities Association Board of Directors awarded a three-year bid to PHS to host the tourney at the Menard for the next three years.
“It’s cool to see it move a little bit,” Reynolds said. “The Valley is definitely growing and has some facilities it didn’t used to have. It’ll be cool to have it out here.” Palmer High School activities director Jeff Thiede said Tedman Allen, a city of Wasilla and Menard Memorial Sports Center recreation coordinator, called him just days before the ASAA’s bid deadline to gauge Palmer’s interest in hosting the tournament.
Thiede said he was hesitant at first, fearing the overall cost of hosting the tournament at the Menard. But after Matanuska Telephone Association agreed to sponsor the event to help out with the rental costs, Thiede said the school submitted its bid.
Thiede said everyone was on board — the school, booster club and officials at the sports complex — but everyone was still unsure about the likelihood of the event finding a home in the Valley.
“Everybody didn’t think we’d get it because West had it for years,” Thiede said.
But Palmer was awarded the bid, and Thiede now believes the opportunity will be beneficial to the school, the sports center and the sport.
Thiede said a pair of volleyball courts — one for 4A action and the other for 3A action — will be temporarily set up inside the Curtis C. Menard II Memorial Arena, which is typically home to the Alaska Avalanche Junior A hockey program and local high school hockey teams.
“This truly makes it a multisport facility,” Thiede said. “It showcases what they have to offer.”
The arena sits about 2,100 people. Both Reynolds and Thiede feels the layout of the Menard could also be more fan-friendly than that of West High.
At West, the bleachers are perpendicular to the court and fans are often behind the action. At the Menard, the courts will be set up parallel with the bleachers.
“No one likes to watch volleyball from the back, especially from low and behind,” Reynolds said.
Thiede also said the Menard provides ample locker room space for the teams.
The other unique aspect of the partnership, Thiede said, is Palmer High hosting an event in Wasilla.
“This is showcasing the Valley,” Thiede said.
The Menard has been home to the ASAA state hockey championships for the last two seasons, and Wasilla High School will host the state hockey tourney at the facility again in February.
In addition to hockey, the Menard has also hosted the Alaska state freestyle and Greco-Roman tournaments in the past.
Posted using ShareThis
By Jeremiah Bartz
Frontiersman
Published on Saturday, December 26, 2009 6:41 PM AKST
WASILLA — Palmer head coach Steve Reynolds admitted he was surprised when he first learned Palmer High School would be hosting the 3A and 4A state volleyball tournaments at the Curtis C. Menard Memorial Sports Center starting in 2010.
But the longtime Palmer head coach wasn’t sure what surprised him more — the reality the state’s biggest tourney would be in the Valley or the fact that the event would no longer be at West Anchorage High School.“It’s been at West High for so long, and Bartlett before that,” Reynolds said. “I thought it was pretty monumental that they moved it at all.”
But earlier this month, thanks to some quick work by officials at both Palmer High and the Menard Sports Center, the Alaska Schools Activities Association Board of Directors awarded a three-year bid to PHS to host the tourney at the Menard for the next three years.
“It’s cool to see it move a little bit,” Reynolds said. “The Valley is definitely growing and has some facilities it didn’t used to have. It’ll be cool to have it out here.” Palmer High School activities director Jeff Thiede said Tedman Allen, a city of Wasilla and Menard Memorial Sports Center recreation coordinator, called him just days before the ASAA’s bid deadline to gauge Palmer’s interest in hosting the tournament.
Thiede said he was hesitant at first, fearing the overall cost of hosting the tournament at the Menard. But after Matanuska Telephone Association agreed to sponsor the event to help out with the rental costs, Thiede said the school submitted its bid.
Thiede said everyone was on board — the school, booster club and officials at the sports complex — but everyone was still unsure about the likelihood of the event finding a home in the Valley.
“Everybody didn’t think we’d get it because West had it for years,” Thiede said.
But Palmer was awarded the bid, and Thiede now believes the opportunity will be beneficial to the school, the sports center and the sport.
Thiede said a pair of volleyball courts — one for 4A action and the other for 3A action — will be temporarily set up inside the Curtis C. Menard II Memorial Arena, which is typically home to the Alaska Avalanche Junior A hockey program and local high school hockey teams.
“This truly makes it a multisport facility,” Thiede said. “It showcases what they have to offer.”
The arena sits about 2,100 people. Both Reynolds and Thiede feels the layout of the Menard could also be more fan-friendly than that of West High.
At West, the bleachers are perpendicular to the court and fans are often behind the action. At the Menard, the courts will be set up parallel with the bleachers.
“No one likes to watch volleyball from the back, especially from low and behind,” Reynolds said.
Thiede also said the Menard provides ample locker room space for the teams.
The other unique aspect of the partnership, Thiede said, is Palmer High hosting an event in Wasilla.
“This is showcasing the Valley,” Thiede said.
The Menard has been home to the ASAA state hockey championships for the last two seasons, and Wasilla High School will host the state hockey tourney at the facility again in February.
In addition to hockey, the Menard has also hosted the Alaska state freestyle and Greco-Roman tournaments in the past.
November 10, 2009
Frontiersman's Athlete of the Week!
Prep STUDENT-ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Nicole Cherrier
Published on Monday, November 9, 2009 8:35 PM AKST
Palmer High School senior Nicole Cherrier has been named the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman Prep Student-Athlete of the Week.
Cherrier posted 13 kills to lead the Palmer Moose to a 3-1 win over the Colony Knights during the Northern Lights Conference Championships volleyball tournament at Wasilla High School on Saturday.
Cherrier, a Palmer co-captain, was also named first-team All-NorthernLights Conference following the tournament.
Cherrier has been Palmer’s unquestioned offensive leader as the Moose rebounded from early-season struggles and captured the conference title.
“She’s come a long way,” Palmer head coach Steve Reynolds said. “Even in the last two years, she’s just improved immensely.”
The Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman congratulates Cherrier on her
success.
Straight from the Frontiersman:
Set for state
By Jeremiah Bartz
Frontiersman
Published on Monday, November 9, 2009 8:35 PM AKST
PALMER — While the Palmer Moose will know a bit about their first-round opponent, Colony’s draw will be somewhat of a mystery when both Mat-Su teams hit the court for the ASAA/First National Bank 4A State Volleyball Championships at West Anchorage High School on Thursday.
The Moose, who beat Colony 3-1 in the Northern Lights Conference Championships at Wasilla High School last Saturday, face Dimond Thursday at 7:15 p.m.
Colony meets Southeast Conference champion Juneau-Douglas Thursday at 2 p.m.
It’s been only about two weeks since Dimond handed a 3-1 (17-25, 25-21, 25-19, 25-23) loss. Palmer head coach Steve Reynolds said the familiarity is nice, but regardless of how well a team knows its opponent, the players still have to execute.
“You still have to come out and perform,” Reynolds said. “You can have all the game plans in the world, but you still have to execute.”
Palmer played Dimond (14-4 overall, 11-3 in the Cook Inlet Conference) tough during the regular-season meeting. The Moose took the first set 25-17, and came within two points of forcing a fifth game. Reynolds said he feels there’s certainly room for improvement.
“It wasn’t one of our best outings,” Reynolds said.
But take away that loss, and Reynolds can see a very successful second half of the 2009 season. After early-season struggles, and a stretch of matches that includes losses to Valley rivals Colony and Wasilla, the Moose surged.
The Moose steadily improved, and climbed into the second spot of the NLC North with wins over the Knights and Warriors.
Palmer also beat West Valley and Chugiak late in the season. West Valley is the Mid-Alaska Conference champion and Chugiak won the CIC.
Even after the Dimond loss, Reynolds said he wanted to stress to his players that they deserved to be on the same court as the top squads in the state.
“I wanted them to know they’re certainly capable,” Reynolds said. “They don’t have to play out of their minds to beat the top teams in the state.”
When Colony takes the court against Juneau, the Knights won’t know much about the Bears. But head coach Amy Carter knows Juneau is typically one of the better teams in the state every year.
“Juneau is always good,” Carter said.
Other than that, the Knight will be going in fresh.
Juneau did finish 10-2 overall and 6-0 in the Southest Conference, according to ASAA.
The Bears had to rebound in the double-elimination Region V Volleyball Championships at Mt. Edgecumbe High School last weekend.
The Bears fell to Ketchikan 3-2 in the first round of the Region V tourney, according to the Juneau Empire. But thanks to the unique format of the tourney, Juneau could use wins in consecutive matches to earn Region V’s lone berth to the state tourney.
Carter said the Knights usually see the Bears at some point during the seasons, but their paths did not cross this year. But without any preconceived notions coming in, Carter said it may benefit a Colony squad that has only two players with significant state tourney experience.
In addition to NLC rivals Palmer and Soldotna, Colony has also seen West Valley, Chugiak, Dimond and South this season.
The Knights swept West Valley in the Interior and played each of the Anchorage schools during regular-season tournaments.
Overall, like Reynolds, Carter is proud of the steady improvement of her team this season.
“I’m very pleased with where my team’s at,” Carter said. “especially when compared to where we were at in the beginning of the year.”
The steady progression of each program led to a meeting in the NLC final.
It marked the fourth time since 2003 that Palmer and Colony had met for the conference crown. The rivals also met in the 2003, 2004 and 2007 title matches. Palmer beat Colony 3-2 in 2003 and 2007. Colony swept Palmer 3-0 to win the 2004 NLC championship.
Palmer’s win on Saturday also marked the seventh straight season that Palmer or Colony had won the region title. Palmer won the championship in 2003, 2007 and 2009. Colony finished first in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2008.
This season also marks Palmer’s ninth trip to the state tourney in the last 10 years. Colony has advanced to the state event in each of the last seven seasons.
Contact Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.
By Jeremiah Bartz
Frontiersman
Published on Monday, November 9, 2009 8:35 PM AKST
PALMER — While the Palmer Moose will know a bit about their first-round opponent, Colony’s draw will be somewhat of a mystery when both Mat-Su teams hit the court for the ASAA/First National Bank 4A State Volleyball Championships at West Anchorage High School on Thursday.
The Moose, who beat Colony 3-1 in the Northern Lights Conference Championships at Wasilla High School last Saturday, face Dimond Thursday at 7:15 p.m.
Colony meets Southeast Conference champion Juneau-Douglas Thursday at 2 p.m.
It’s been only about two weeks since Dimond handed a 3-1 (17-25, 25-21, 25-19, 25-23) loss. Palmer head coach Steve Reynolds said the familiarity is nice, but regardless of how well a team knows its opponent, the players still have to execute.
“You still have to come out and perform,” Reynolds said. “You can have all the game plans in the world, but you still have to execute.”
Palmer played Dimond (14-4 overall, 11-3 in the Cook Inlet Conference) tough during the regular-season meeting. The Moose took the first set 25-17, and came within two points of forcing a fifth game. Reynolds said he feels there’s certainly room for improvement.
“It wasn’t one of our best outings,” Reynolds said.
But take away that loss, and Reynolds can see a very successful second half of the 2009 season. After early-season struggles, and a stretch of matches that includes losses to Valley rivals Colony and Wasilla, the Moose surged.
The Moose steadily improved, and climbed into the second spot of the NLC North with wins over the Knights and Warriors.
Palmer also beat West Valley and Chugiak late in the season. West Valley is the Mid-Alaska Conference champion and Chugiak won the CIC.
Even after the Dimond loss, Reynolds said he wanted to stress to his players that they deserved to be on the same court as the top squads in the state.
“I wanted them to know they’re certainly capable,” Reynolds said. “They don’t have to play out of their minds to beat the top teams in the state.”
When Colony takes the court against Juneau, the Knights won’t know much about the Bears. But head coach Amy Carter knows Juneau is typically one of the better teams in the state every year.
“Juneau is always good,” Carter said.
Other than that, the Knight will be going in fresh.
Juneau did finish 10-2 overall and 6-0 in the Southest Conference, according to ASAA.
The Bears had to rebound in the double-elimination Region V Volleyball Championships at Mt. Edgecumbe High School last weekend.
The Bears fell to Ketchikan 3-2 in the first round of the Region V tourney, according to the Juneau Empire. But thanks to the unique format of the tourney, Juneau could use wins in consecutive matches to earn Region V’s lone berth to the state tourney.
Carter said the Knights usually see the Bears at some point during the seasons, but their paths did not cross this year. But without any preconceived notions coming in, Carter said it may benefit a Colony squad that has only two players with significant state tourney experience.
In addition to NLC rivals Palmer and Soldotna, Colony has also seen West Valley, Chugiak, Dimond and South this season.
The Knights swept West Valley in the Interior and played each of the Anchorage schools during regular-season tournaments.
Overall, like Reynolds, Carter is proud of the steady improvement of her team this season.
“I’m very pleased with where my team’s at,” Carter said. “especially when compared to where we were at in the beginning of the year.”
The steady progression of each program led to a meeting in the NLC final.
It marked the fourth time since 2003 that Palmer and Colony had met for the conference crown. The rivals also met in the 2003, 2004 and 2007 title matches. Palmer beat Colony 3-2 in 2003 and 2007. Colony swept Palmer 3-0 to win the 2004 NLC championship.
Palmer’s win on Saturday also marked the seventh straight season that Palmer or Colony had won the region title. Palmer won the championship in 2003, 2007 and 2009. Colony finished first in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2008.
This season also marks Palmer’s ninth trip to the state tourney in the last 10 years. Colony has advanced to the state event in each of the last seven seasons.
Contact Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.
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