Su Valley wins Lumen Christi volleyball tournament

MAT-SU — Graduation hit the Susitna Valley volleyball program hard last spring. But that has not slowed down the defending 2A state champions.

Despite losing seven players from the state championship team to graduation, the Rams continued another stellar season winning the Lumen “Dig Pink” Invitational at Lumen Christi School in Anchorage last Saturday.

Susitna Valley, which features only four upperclassmen, captured the Lumen tourney title, finishing first in a loaded field that included 2013 2A runner-up Unalaska and 2012 2A champion Dillingham.

The Rams beat Dillingham 2-0 (25-19, 27-25) in the finals after beating Unalaska 2-0 (25-16, 25-21) in the final.

Junior Sarena Drover led the Rams with 50 kills. Junior Robin Spaulding collected 31 kills and seven blocks.

“If I had one compliment to give it would be to our junior co-captains,” Su Valley head coach Chad Valentine said by email. “Their leadership with this young team helped make this happen. Sarena Drover is displaying a work ethic on the court that is unmatched, and Robin Spaulding who has worked to bring this new team together.”

Sophomore Ruby Matthews recorded 48 kills. Gabby Faurot led the Rams with 70 assists.

Matthews was recognized at the tournament for her blocking and libero Bernadette Hartley was recognized for her defense.

The Rams are now 5-0 in conference play and 13-3 overall.