Wahluke drops 2, takes 1 in volleyball

MATTAWA - The Wahluke High School volleyball team had to step outside of the South Central A Conference East to score a win last week.

After falling in three games to SCAC East members Warden and Kiona-Benton, the Warriors traveled to Cle Elum and beat the SCAC West Warriors in four.

Cle Elum won the second game, 26-24, but Wahluke won the other three, 25-16, 25-22, 25-19.

"The girls showed up ready to play," coach Rudi Christian said. "Even though Cle Elum got an early lead on us each game, the girls pushed. We had a few hitting errors, but our defense was amazing. Great teamwork. Tough serves the entire game."

Marleny Garcia and Tanya Mendez led the Warrior attack with eight and seven kills respectively. Kassandra Villalobos served 19/20 with 3 aces and 8 digs.

Maripaz Olivarez went 16/16 serving with 14 digs. Mendez served 17/17 with 7 kills and 7 digs. Kenia Jamaica was 16/18 serving with 10 digs, and Liliana Ramirez had 11/12 serving with 18 digs.

In the 25-16, 25-17, 25-20 loss to Warden, the Warriors were outmatched by the Cougar front line.

"I am proud that nobody gave up and we competed the entire night," Christian said.

Highlights included 94 percent team serving and, as the night continued, Wahluke narrowed the victory margin in each game.

Ramirez had 11 digs, and Jessica Ledezma had 100 percent serving with 3 aces.

Although the Warriors fell to Ki-Be, they played three good contests, falling 25-23, 25-21, 29-27.

"Tough loss," Christian said. "Communication breakdowns allowed the Bears to score several points. The girls will be ready to play them in Kiona-Benton"

Jamaica had 21/21 serving with 6 aces, Marleny Garcia had 8 kills, and Tanya Mendez added 7 kills.