Prep volleyball: Knights win Northern Lights

Nov. 5, 2006

By Jay Barrett/ For the Frontiersman

KODIAK - The Colony Knights came into the Northern Lights Conference Tournament as the two-time defending champs, but graduated seven players from last year's team and only returned three. Nobody thought they had a chance of a three-peat, but it was deja vu all over again.

The team had graduated seven players the year after their conference title two seasons ago as well, but won the tournament last year anyway. The third-seed Knights gelled when they had to in winning the Northern Lights Conference championship in Kodiak on Saturday.

Colony faced the South Division's third seed, the Soldotna Stars, in the tournament finale, and came away with 3-1 (25-18, 21-25, 25-20, 25-23) victory,

The Knights head now to the state tournament next weekend along with Soldotna and third-place Palmer.

Like Soldotna, Colony swept its competition and even defeated a top seed on the way. Colony beat the Palmer Moose in a five-game upset Friday night, 3-2 (25-23, 20-25, 16-25, 25-23, 15-13). For the Stars, it was their crosstown rivals, the undefeated Skyview Panthers, who fell victim.

On the opening night, the Knights made quick work out of the South Division's second seed, the Homer Mariners, winning 3-0 (25-15, 25-21, 25-17).

To get the championship game, the Stars, in a mild upset Thursday, beat the host Kodiak Bears, the North Division's second seed, in five games 3-2 (20-25, 25-23 27-25, 20-25, 15-13). Then, on Friday, they stunned the Panthers 3-2 (25-23, 23-25, 25-23, 25-22) to advance to the championship game.

&#8220It was a Cinderella tournament for us,” said Colony coach Amy Carter. &#8220We definitely didn't think we'd be here (in the championship game).”

In the first game of the championship match, Colony came out quickly on the strength of their service game and junior Hannah Curtis' play in the middle. But SoHi fought back, though coming up short by seven points.

In the second game, Soldotna took an early 14-8 lead, only to see Colony tie the game at 21-21. Strong serving by the Stars' Lauren Senette, who had five aces in the match, secured the win 25-21.

The third game was very close, with ties at 11, 14 and 17 points. After a late game time out called by Colony, when the Knights held a 17-14 lead, CHS turned their game up a notch and won 25-20.

In game four, Colony was in control, but Soldotna was never far behind, nipping at the Knights' heels the entire way, until tying the game at 23-23. Two consecutive kills by Colony's Curtis ended the game and match, and clinched the Northern Lights title 25-23.

Carter said her team's season changed about three weeks ago.

&#8220We worked on not being so emotional, trying to keep our highs and lows in check,” she said. &#8220We just wanted to stay steady, and we did.”

Curtis had 15 kills in the match, along with three blocks and five service aces. She was named to the all-tournament team and also won the award for fastest serve, clocked at 43 mph. Desi Diselrod had all but one of Colony's assists with 32, and added 10 digs. Micaela Stein had 17 digs. Krista Coan added four aces. Colony also took honors as the team with the highest grade point average.

&#8220I'm very proud of them for that. Having the highest (grade point average) was one of their goals this year,” Carter said. &#8220They're very grade-oriented.”

Soldotna junior Paige Blackburn and senior Dani Donaldson both had a dozen kills in the championship match. Blackburn also had three blocks. Sarah Hemminger had 29 assists, while Lauren Senette had five aces and 16 digs.

Soldotna, with only two wins in the regular season, also gelled at just the right time.

&#8220The girls really came together,” Stars coach Pako Whannell said, her voice hoarse from her sideline exhortations. &#8220They really wanted to come out here and play, and they came together when it counted.”

Next year, the Knights might get a little more respect coming into the season, as they're only graduating one player from this year's championship team.

In the consolation finals, Palmer won the third and final NLC berth to the state tournament with a 3-2 (22-25, 15-25, 26-24, 25-23, 15-7) win over Skyivew.

The Panthers were the only team to dethrone the Moose during the 2006 regular season, and sported a perfect record until losing to Soldotna in the semifinals.

Skyview won the first two games of the match, and the Moose were within one game of calling an end to their season.

Senior Stephanie Houser and junior Sarah Svedin each posted a team-high nine kills. Junior Nicole Kenney led the Moose with 21 digs. Mariah Kincaid added 18 digs.

Palmer ended Wasilla's season, beating the Warriors 3-0 (25-23, 26-24, 25-18) in the consolation semifinals.

Sophomore Jenna Johnson led the Warriors with 11 kills and six blocks.

Senior Ashley Dickerson recorded 13 kills for the Moose.

Palmer, Soldotna and Colony will now wait to see who their first opponent of the upcoming state tournament will be. The large-school event starts Thursday at West Anchorage High School. The final game is slated for Saturday.