Warriors score big win over rival Colony

WASILLA — Prior to the West Spiketacular tournamemnt in Anchorage last week, the Wasilla Warriors made a few changes on the floor. A few days later, Wasilla earned its biggest victory of the season.

Wasilla scored a 3-1 (25-19, 12-25, 25-13, 25-20) win over rival Colony Tuesday night at Wasilla High School.

“We made some adjustments to the lineup in the last week,” Wasilla head coach Josie Cannon said.

Cannon said the Warriors also knew exactly how they wanted to play the Knights, who entered the match 5-0 in Northern Lights Conference play.

“We definitely had a game plan going in,” Cannon said. “We wanted to keep throwing it back at them. Keep brining it on offense, and not give them any free balls.”

Passing was also key, she said.

“We passed really well and were able to bring a consistent offense,” Cannon said. “We wanted to spread it out, keep Colony on their heels.”

The Warriors also had a balanced attack. Kamryn Broach and Cheyenne Green finished with five kills each. Aleks Kvalheim and Leanna Malak had four each. Tristan Merchant led Wasilla with a half-dozen digs. Caitlyn Cook supplied 23 aces.

Cannon also praised her team’s serving. Delaney Breshears finished with five of Wasilla’s 11 aces.

Cannon said she saw her team take a turn in a new direction on the second day of the Spiketacular. After finishing 2-6 in pool play Friday, the Warriors finished second in the tournament’s silver bracket. Their work Saturday included a win over a Soldotna team that beat the Warriors in NLC play earlier this month.

“That was huge for momentum and confidence,” Cannon said of beating the Stars. “It was the first time my girls actually gelled, and I saw that look of determination. After losing on the road, it was really great to get a win in neutral location.”

Wasilla improved to 2-1 in the NLC with the win.

Colony dropped to 5-1. The Knights had started the season with NLC wins over Soldonta, Kenai and Palmer, and a pair of victories over Kodiak.

Eve Stephens led Colony with 13 kills and four blocks. Gabby Wakaliuk added six kills, six digs and three aces. Isabel List chipped in five kills, 17 assists and two aces. Haylee Duguid finished with eight digs and an ace.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@fontiersman.com.