Rams make history

JEREMIAH BARTZ/Sports Editor

The Susitna Valley Rams enjoyed a historic 2004 volleyball season.

In their first season in the 1-2-3A West Division, the Rams earned a second-place finish in their regional tournament and the first berth to a volleyball state championship tournament in the history of the school.

But just advancing to the state championships was not enough. The Rams also placed fourth in the event.

Su Valley defeated Koliganek 3-2 (22-25, 25-17, 21-25, 25-18, 15-10) to win the fourth-place game.

"It was a good first showing, for something that we've never experienced," Su Valley head coach Chad Valentine said.

Valentine said his squad was a little nervous walking into the tourney held at Dimond High School, not knowing what the tournament would entail. But when the Rams realized their opponents were similar to those they'd seen all through the season, their nervousness was put at ease and they were able to play volleyball.

Blocking played an integral role in the Rams' win over Koliganek, according to Valentine. The Su Valley mentor said Koliganek played an unorthodox style of volleyball and a key for the Rams was to play their game and not get sucked into the opponent's different style.

"They would pass a lot on the first and second hits, wait for the perfect one they could hit," Valentine said. "There was not a lot of hitting, but they dug up everything you threw at them."

Senior middle hitter Heidi Hartley led the Rams with 27 kills and seven blocks in the match. Valentine said Hartley was registering kills at such a rate, a second statistic sheet was needed. Hartley's success came with not just power, but the location of her hits.

"Heidi has the ability to be accurate with the off speed shot -- tipping," Valentine said. "She was able to get the other team frustrated."

The Rams also received strong performances from Moriah Wick -- 10 kills and three aces -- and Noelle Valentine, who led the squad with 41 assists.

Dusty Lester was named the Alaska Schools Activities Association player of the match, gaining attention for her play at critical moments in the match.

Su Valley opened the tournament with Dillingham, who defeated Kenny Lake for the state title. Dillingham defeated Su Valley 3-1, but the Rams were the only squad to take a game from the Huskies in the three-day event.

Amanda Crosby and Megan Ostermick were each named to the ASAA Good Sport team for the Rams, while Hartley was named all-tournament. Valentine also praised the contributions of defensive specialist Amber Beckett, outside hitter Krisjana Timmers and middle hitter Jolene Armstrong.

After bouncing around from conference to conference in the last two decades, the Rams believe they have found a home the 1-2-3A West.

"Every year we will have the opportunity to do well," Valentine said.