Warriors earn win over another rival

PALMER — Call it a two-day sweep for the Wasilla Warriors.

For the second time in as many nights, the Wasilla Warriors easily handled a Mat-Su Valley rival. After beating the Colony Knights in four games Thursday, Wasilla dominated the Palmer Moose on Friday, winning 3-0 ( (25-13, 25-17, 25-14) at Palmer High School.

“We’re going to use this match to learn,” Palmer head coach Steve Reynolds said before the match.

Palmer learned at least one thing — the same thing Colony learned Thursday — the Warriors are really good.

From start to finish it was easily Wasilla’s match. The Warriors dominated the serves, tallying four aces in the first game alone.

Jolee Fife showed that dominance, serving eight straight points midway through the first game. Fife had two aces in that span.

Palmer hung with the Warriors for a good part of the second game, but fell behind. Sariah Tuisaula notched four kills while Aryn Crane chipped in five during the second game alone.

Palmer did have opportunity.

With the Warriors leading 9-7, Wasilla collected three straight service errors to give the Moose hope.

Palmer junior Kasara Brandenburg sparked the comeback attempt, serving five straight points. Brandenburg placed a float serve in the holes of the Warrior defense, causing communication errors and swinging the momentum toward the Moose.

Though the Warriors constantly had a large lead, the Moose never gave up. With Wasilla leading 6-5, Palmer showed that effort during an epic point with kill attempts in the double digits and multiple athletic plays. Wasilla was able to score that point, and much of the momentum in the match.

“It’s always more exciting to play against Palmer. The girls are more energetic, and have extra reason to win,” said Wasilla head coach Claudia Farias Pinard, a former assistant coach at Palmer.

With Wasilla leading 12-9, Crane blasted one of her powerful hits, deflecting off the Moose defense and to the back corner of the Palmer High School gym, far out of reach for any player.

Yet even with no chance to save the point, all six Palmer Moose on the floor at that time sprinted to the corner in pursuit of the ball and a victory over Wasilla.

“We’re playing really well. We want to keep it up, we’re playing together, playing our game, when there’s a problem, it’s fixing itself. “ said Farias-Pinard.

Wasilla’s Kayla Bell finished with a match-high 15 assists. Crane and Tuisaula led Wasilla with nine and 13 kills, respectively.

Palmer continues play next Thursday, hosting West Anchorage. Wasilla will put its undefeated Northern Lights Conference mark on the line against Kodiak Friday.

Palmer High School senior Tim Rockey contributes to the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman schools and sports sections.