Prep volleyball: Valdez Invite a tough test for Houston

VALDEZ — The Houston Hawks competed in the annual Valdez Inviational at Valdez High School last week.

Although the Hawks failed to score a win in the tourney, Houston head coach Greg Gaither said it was a good opportunity for his young Hawks squad to see some of the better competion the state has to offer.

“There were some rather awesome teams. The learning curve was really good for us,” Gaither said. “The kids had an opportunity to see that kind of hitting and serving was really important to us.”

The tournament field included an assortment of teams that competed in the 3A and 4A state tournaments last season. The list included solid large-schools squad such as West Valley and Kodiak, and top small-schools programs like Cordova, Anchorage Chrisitian, Valdez, Delta and Grace Christian.

“It was great volleyball,” Gaither said.

Gaither said his squad played very well against teams such as Glennallen and Delta, and nearly knocked off West Anchorage. The Eagles slipped by the Hawks 25-23.

Tonight, the Houston Hawks make history, hosting their first conference game as a large-schools team. Now a part of the 4A Mid-Alaska Conference, Houston hosts new rival North Pole 6:30 p.m. The Hawks and Patriots take the court again on Saturday at 1:30 p.m.

Colony 3, Wasilla 1

The Colony Knights scored a 3-1 (25-23, 25-21, 23-25, 25-22) over the Wasilla Warriors on Tuesday.

Colony senior Hannah Curtis led the Knights with 21 kills, 12 digs, four blocks and four service aces. Senior Kristen Coan recorded 11 kills and 18 digs for the Knights. And senior Desi Diselrod added 29 assists.

Sammie Becker led Wasilla with nine kills. Ashlen Welch and Jenna Johnson each chipped in seven kills.

Welch and Tess Barrera each posted 16 digs.