New faces join Colony’s big middles

PALMER — There are plenty of new faces on the Colony volleyball squad, but two of Colony’s veterans are certainly familiar to all of the Knights’ opponents.

Colony’s pair of tall middle hitters, juniors Mary Klapperich and Allison Leigh, return to lead the Knights into the 2011 season.

The 6-foot Klapperich and 6-foot 1 Leigh are already seasoned veterans at the varsity level, and both spent the majority of the summer working on their game.

“They’ve improved a lot over last year,” Colony head coach Amy Carter said. “They’re looking good.”

Colony’s athletic pair of big hitters are the most experienced players returning for a 2010 squad that finished third in the Northern Lights Conference and tied for 7th at the ASAA/First National Bank 4A State Championships.

Setter Maryann Zmuda also returns, but the majority of the remainder of the 2011 varsity squad has been promoted from the junior varsity level. Outside hitter Jordan Ertz and defensive specialist Jackie Burbank were on the roster for the conference and state championships last year, but all will be working for their most significant varsity time this season.

Carter has been impressed with the overall improvement of her talent, so far. Carter said Zmuda continues to do a great job as Colony’s setter. She’s also happy with the passing of the team’s back row, and Ertz has played more aggressive on the outside, Carter said.

Kortnie Swenson, Brooke Deans, Mariah Weydahl and Meagan Vance are among the new faces on the CHS squad.

Carter said she hopes the Knights use the Chugiak Invitational, which starts today at Chugiak High, to continue to come together.

“We’re just figuring out the chemistry, getting things going,” Carter said.

The Knights open Chugiak Invite play against Dimond.

Palmer 3, Houston 9

The Palmer Moose opened their season Tuesday with a 3-0 (25-20, 25-12, 25-5) win over the Houston Hawks at Houston High School.

Senior Morgan Morfe led the Moose with 10 kills in the win. Senior Jenna Arlow added 21 assists and four aces.

Palmer head coach Steve Reynolds said he was happy with what he saw of his team during Palmer’s first official match of the season. He said he was also encouraged by what he saw from a young Hawks team.

“They look like they have some talent,” Reynolds said.

** Editor’s note: This is part of a series of stories previewing the 2011 season for the local 4A prep volleyball teams. For the Wasilla preview see frontiersman.com/sports. For the Palmer and Houston previews, see upcoming editions of the Frontiersman.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com and follow him at twitter.com/matsu_sports.