Knights net win over rival

PALMER -- Last season the Colony Knights had to rely on the defense of their backcourt. The small CHS squad used quickness to make up for their lack of height.

This season the Knights still have that quickness in the backcourt, but have gained some height up front.

That combination helped Colony earn a hard-fought 3-2 (23-25, 25-20, 17-25, 25-15, 15-6) win over the crosstown rival Palmer Moose in Region III volleyball action at Colony High School Tuesday.

"Palmer came in to watch us and we knew going into the match they would know our weaknesses," Colony head coach Faith Scott said. "This game is all about making adjustments."

Colony made adjustments and were able to take two of the final three games from the Moose. The Knights were also able to use their newfound height to frustrate the Palmer frontcourt.

The newfound height up front for Colony is 6-foot, 1-inch senior middle hitter Kristina Klapperich. The Colony girls' basketball standout to a two-year break from volleyball to focus on hoops, but Scott convinced Klapperich took return to the volleyball court for her senior year.

"She's a girl that is intimidating,' Scott said. "Both blocking and hitting."

Klapperich registered four blocks and eight kills in the contest.

Three of Klapperich's blocks came off hits from Palmer's Jessie Macknicki, who is arguably the hardest hitter in the region.

Klapperich and a group of productive members of the Colony backcourt helped subdue a potent pack of Palmer hitters.

Amanda Aafedt led the Knight charge in the backcourt registering an amazing 36 digs.

Karin Dau added 28 digs.

Palmer was able to sneak away with a win in the first game. Moose senior Megan Sweeney notched a kill to break a 23-23 tie and a Colony attack error gave Palmer the early victory.

Colony went on a 4-1 run late in the second game to even the match at 1-1.

Aefedt, Rochelle Ray and Anna Peters notched late kills to help even the match.

Palmer used runs of 5-0 and 9-1 to win the third game of the match and Colony secured a 7-0 run to help win game four.

The Knights broke a 2-2 tie in the fifth and deciding game with an 8-1 run to win the match.

The match, that lasted just over two hours, featured a handful of long volleys.

"Palmer's a scrappy team," Scott said.

Scott added that serving and communication were key in the Knight victory.

"When we are talking on the court, we are unstoppable," Scott said.

Knights sweep Bears

Colony scored a 3-1 (25-20, 25-22, 11-25, 25-20) over Kodiak in Region III volleyball action at Colony High School on Sept. 5, to earn a two-match sweep over the Bears.

Aefedt led the CHS squad with 13 kills and 25 digs. Dau added 18 digs.

Colony won the first match of the series 3-0 (25-23, 25-23, 25-18).

Ray led the green and black with eight kills and 13 digs.

Six Knights reached double digits in digs.

Rams fall

The Susitna Valley Rams fell to a pair of Anchorage schools last weekend.

Grace Christian defeated Su Valley 3-1 (25-17, 25-6, 25-7) Sept. 5 at Su Valley High.

Heritage Christian downed the Rams 3-1 (25-12, 22-25, 25-16, 25-10) Sept. 6 at SVHS.