Colony edges Palmer in JV volleyball action

PALMER -- Colony visited Palmer Thursday for a thrilling junior varsity volleyball match that took all three games to decide a winner.

After Colony won the first game 15-12 and Palmer took the second game 15-3, Colony prevailed in a hard-fought third game 15-12 to win the match.

"We love playing Palmer and Wasilla in matches like this," said Colony coach Lance Petrie. "The girls elevated their game tonight, especially in the third game."

Although not as refined as the more experienced varsity players, the junior varsity squads play solid volleyball and leave spectators taking nothing for granted, with the possibility of side outs and points coming with every touch of the ball.

The match began with a battle in the first game as the teams stayed close, tying at 2, 4, 7, and 9, with solid hitting and shot blocking keeping most of the action at the net.

Colony rallied for points to take a 13-10 lead but saw Palmer close back in at 13-12.

The Knights were able to put points together and close out the game 15-12.

Palmer jumped out to a 9-3 lead in the second game behind a relentless attack of its front-line hitters.

Colony could not regroup, as Palmer shots from Ashley Mills kept Colony off balance and unable to mount a good return.

Palmer quickly finished the game 15-3 to force the match to a third game.

Colony came out strong for the third game, taking an early 6-3 lead with good hustle and sets for excellent returns.

Palmer bounced back to eventually tie the score at 10-10, with exceptional net play by Aslyn Jones.

Jones took over the net, dunking a lazy floater for a side out and powering shots for points.

Colony moved ahead 13-10 but Palmer rallied again to close in at 13-12.

Colony's Anna Peters stopped the rally with a well-placed tip over the outstretched hands of Palmer blockers that fell untouched in the middle of Palmer's court.

The Knights scored two quick points to close out the game 15-12 and take the best-of-three-games match.