Volleyball: Moose end regular season with nonconference win

Jeremiah Bartz/Frontiersman

EAGLE RIVER — Steve Reynolds feels his Palmer volleyball squad accomplished a lot during the final game of the regular season.

The Moose had an opportunity to use players in unfamiliar situations. A few reserves had the chance to get significant time on the court. And most importantly, the Moose won a competitive five-game match against a solid nonconference opponent.

“I’m happy with the way we played last night. To win a five-game match right before regions is always good,” Reynolds said of Palmer’s 3-2 (25-20, 25-15, 18-25, 15-25, 25-18) win over the Chugiak Mustangs at Chugiak High School.

The Moose won despite the absence of one of their standouts, senior setter Sarah Svedin, who is out of town on a college visit.

Without Svedin, Reynolds inserted juniors Zoe Rouzzi and Jordan Venzke into the lineup to handle the setting duties.

“I’m really pleased with how they played,” Reynolds said.

With Venzke playing mostly up front and Rouzzi handling the duties in the back row, the duo combined for 23 assists. Rouzzi posted a match-high 18.

“We did miss Sarah, but they did a great job,” Reynolds said.

Seniors Nicole Kenney and Geneva Ratcliff led the Moose offensive attack with a combined 24 kills.

Kenney and Rashayne Zimmer each collected 17 digs.

Reynolds said he was able to use a few different combinations of athletes on the floor, and the Moose enjoyed great chemistry with whatever group he put out there.

“We did some stuff we hadn’t done all season,” Reynolds said. “It was a good tune-up before regions.”

Palmer hosts the Northern Lights Conference Championships. The event starts Thursday at PHS.