ADNA — The Adna volleyball team was impressive in its season opener on Tuesday, as the Pirates swept Montesano 25-21, 25-17, 26-24 to start 1-0.
The Pirates were strong serving out of the gate, notching five aces in the games first 13 points to help jump out to a 9-4 lead.
The Bulldogs settled in as the set progressed, but the Pirates held firm to take a 1-0 lead.
Set two was Montesano early, as they got out to an 11-7 lead, but the Pirates scored five of the next six points to tie the game at 12 and then went on a 13-5 run to seal the set. They capped it off with six straight points to go up 2-0.
It was more of the same early in the third set, as the Pirates scored the first nine points of the set, but Montesano didn’t go down without a fight,
The Bulldogs slowly crawled back, changing their serving pattern to serve it short and catch the Pirates flat footed on the receiving end.
Adna coach Wendie Dotson says that the lack of movement allowed the Bulldogs to gain momentum and get back in the game.
Dotson said that in terms of adjustments needed moving forward, movement and communication on shorter serves “is a starting point,” while adding that if they can get the ball to their setters, they are typically a really good offensive team.
Montesano eventually took a 24-23 lead and it seemed that they were about to send the match to a fourth set, but the Pirates dug in and scored the next three points to seal the win.
Several Pirates had solid all-around outings, as Dotson noted that they are used to playing all over the court.
Gaby Guard had 14 assists, nine aces and six digs. Charissa Schierman had seven kills, six assists, four aces and two blocks. Danika Hallom led the team with 12 kills. Karsyn Freeman, a transfer from Raymond, had nine digs, eight aces and eight kills.
“She’s just another weapon,” Dotson said of Freeman. “She’s just another cog to the puzzle that fits well within our scheme.”
Dotson also credited Jaylee Humphrey, the team’s libero, who missed last season with an Achilles injury but was stellar for the Pirates on Tuesday. She collected 10 kills, six digs and three aces and blocks each.
“She has a calming effect on us,” Dotson said. “She is the organizer out there.”
Humphrey’s sister, Natalie, was one of six seniors on last year’s team that placed fifth at the state tournament. This year, Schierman is the group’s only senior.
“We are junior strong,” Dotson said. “We did lose some key seniors, but people have stepped into their roles … They definitely have a drive. Their goal is to be better than what we were last year.”
As the season goes on, Dotson hopes that the team keeps its composure like they did in the third set against Montesano, saying that will be the key to coming out on top in tough matches.
The Pirates hit the road for their next three games, starting with a trip to Mossyrock on Thursday.
