Knights, Moose 2-1 in weekend games

PALMER — With three weeks left before the regional tournament, Colony aims to peak at the right time to make a run at qualifying for the state tournament.

That progress was aided this weekend when the Knights defended their home floor to take two of three matches from Fairbanks area teams. After tipping Lathrop 3-1 on Thursday, Colony topped North Pole 3-0 (27-25, 25-12, 25-23) Friday before dropping a 3-0 (26-24, 25-17, 25-22) decision to West Valley on Saturday.

The weekend surge evens the Knights’ record at 6-6 and showing improvement with every game, said head coach Amy Carter.

“We are improving daily, so that’s been nice to see,” she said. “Of course, It would be nice to win some more games, but they are improving with every game.”

Being more consistent is one key to getting over the hump for Colony, the coach said.

“We struggle with some consistency issues, and that’s something we’ve been working on,” she said.

Following up a 22-kill performance against Lathrop, Shellina Irwin again was the offensive stabilizer for the Knights, recording 24 kills, 11 digs, two blocks and four aces combined against North Pole and West Valley.

A bright spot for Colony was the play of setters Maryann Zmuda and Olivia Martin, Carter said.

“My two setters had a really good weekend, playing really good defense — plus doing their setting job,” the coach said. “Everything that came their way, they got up.”

In the loss to West Valley, Martin notched 12 assists and four digs, while Zmuda dug three balls and had 10 assists.

“West Valley’s good,” Carter said. “Of the three Fairbanks schools, they’re the better, and they played hard and were really scrappy on defense.”

Coming down the home stretch before regional play, Carter is looking to see continued progress with hopes of peaking at the right time.

“That’s what we’re hoping for as, of course, is every team, I’m sure,” she said.

The Knights will look to go over the .500 mark Thursday when they host Juneau. First serve is at 5 p.m.

Palmer plucks pair

Like their cross-town rivals, the Palmer Moose finished the weekend 2-1 against Fairbanks schools, dropping a tight 3-2 match to West Valley on Thursday, then dominating Lathrop and North Pole 3-0 Friday and Saturday respectively.

The Moose topped Lathrop 25-10, 25-13, 25-20 and North Pole 25-15, 25-9, 25-18.

The wins bring Palmer to 9-4 overall on the season, but more important for head coach Steve Reynolds is the team is beginning to gel.

“I am just concerned with how my team is playing (not with its record),” he said. “The goal is always work, work, work until the end. I’m relatively happy with where we’re at at the moment. The team is coming together nicely and people are establishing themselves in positions, solidifying their roles.”

One of those is setter Jenna Arlow, who notched 49 assists against Lathrop and North Pole.

“She’s doing a nice job for us this year, and she’s only a junior,” Reynolds said.

Along with Arlow’s 22 assists and eight digs Friday against Lathrop, Morgan Morfe tagged 10 kills and served up five aces.

“They kind-of took over in that game,” the coach said.

Against the Patriots on Saturday, it was Kalene Smith who set the offensive tone with 12 kills and three blocks.

Having three games over three nights was good experience for the Moose, Reynolds said.

“It’s great having those games at home,” he said.

Palmer will have a few days to rest and practice before traveling to the Service-Dimond tournament this next weekend. The Moose will begin tournament play against Eagle River at 5 p.m. Friday at Service High School.

Contact Greg Johnson at greg.johnson@frontiersman.com or 352-2269.