Lady Chiefs battle for home win

Moses Lake wins it in five Tuesday

MOSES LAKE — The Lady Chiefs took it to the net Tuesday against Eastmont, defeating their opponent after a five-game struggle.

Moses Lake took the first game with easy dominance scoring six points on serving from Brianne Roylance. Jhenesis Garza served another eight points for Moses Lake to put them far ahead in the count.

The Lady Chiefs won the first game 25-7, with the final score coming on a side out from Eastmont.

Eastmont rallied in the second game with scoring bursts of four and five points, going up 17-13 on Moses Lake early on. Moses Lake then had a rally of their own, earning 23 points before siding out to give Eastmont the win 25-23.

"After the first game, the second was a let down," said coach Amy Utter. "They regrouped and picked up the intensity."

The third game opened with another impressive round of serving from Roylance, giving the Lady Chiefs an early 7-2 lead over Eastmont.

Eastmont was able to put together a small scoring run but was stopped late in the game by a five point push from Shayla May that was capped off by Roylance, who served for game point in the match. The Lady Chiefs won it 25-14.

Despite another impressive round of serving from Roylance, the Lady Chiefs were not able to pull out a win in the fourth game, losing it 25-20.

"They never really had their heads down and they stayed focused and concentrated on the match, even after the losses," Utter said.

In the deciding game of the night, Moses Lake jumped out to a commanding 6-1 lead that they would not relinquish for the rest of the game. Moses Lake's Amanda Hickman served for three key scores late in the game and Garza served the match point.

"There was no real star player tonight," said Utter.

Among the players working hard during the match Tuesday night was Kelsey Padilla, who ended the night with 20 digs from all over the court. Her starting position is in the back row and that is where she is usually to be found.

Along with Padilla's work in the back row, Jayme Albrandt worked hard at the net with blocks, kills and tips to add to her team's impressive stats.

May, the team captain and setter, had 28 assists and 10 digs during the match. Taisha Haines worked hard up front and had nine kills. Garza had a good night with seven kills and 18 digs.

"Our goal was to win three matches this week and this is a good start," Utter said.

The Lady Chiefs will be traveling to Southridge Thursday.