Mariner outvolleys North
It’s early in the high school volleyball season when teams are still figuring out their own strengths and weaknesses.
The Mariner Tritons learned in a District 5A-15 victory over North Fort Myers Thursday that quality passing must come first to set up their big hitters.
“Everything comes off our passing,” Tritons’ coach Tom Faasse said. “The first 10-15 points of the match we couldn’t pass ourselves out of a wet paper bag.”
The Red Knights (0-2, 0-1) stormed out to an 8-2 lead in that opening game, but the Tritons (1-1, 1-0) recovered, took the first game, and won the match 25-23, 25-20, 25-16.
Toward the end of the back-and-forth opening game, the Tritons began to pass better and run their offense through the setters. That meant more opportunities for outside hitters, like senior Courtney Anderson.
Anderson had 11 kills in the match, including two of the final three points in game one.
“It was really good to win that game,” Anderson said. “In the first game when it’s point after point, dead on, whoever wins usually picks it up.”
The Red Knights took the early lead on six straight serves by sophomore Paige Engh, including two aces. They led 11-4 before Mariner mounted a 7-2 run, cutting it to 13-11.
A key moment in the first game came when North senior Denasia Smith went for a block that would’ve given the Red Knights and 18-15 lead. She was called for a violation, though, for reaching over the net and interfering with a Tritons’ player, making the score 17-16.
After several ties, Mariner’s Bailey Keller, one of 10 seniors, put the Tritons ahead 21-20.
“We’re an inexperienced team with a lot of new players,” North coach Jeremy Ridgeo said. “That first game I thought we came out firing, and then decided to play it safe a little bit. As soon as we slowed up, Mariner with all their seniors, took advantage.”
The Tritons carried the momentum into game two. Senior Courtney Pruden had a block and senior Brittany Steeb delivered back-to-back kills, helping the Tritons build an 8-1 lead.
After the Tritons took a 20-10 lead, the Red Knights rallied. Abigail Fruth served three points and Lindsey Tryon recorded an ace, cutting it to 22-18. The Tritons regained control courtesy of Emily Wincel’s kill.
In game three, the Red Knights trailed 8-7 after a block by Courtney Allen, but the Tritons pulled away. Senior Jamie Falvey served four points to push the lead to 19-11. Senior Rachel Ward continued her strong back row play, finishing with 17 digs.
Faasse said after a tight opening game, he was pleased at how his players responded.
“We’re a slow starting team. It takes awhile to get into a rhythm,” he said. “Once we find out what the other team is going to bring, we adjust, actually (the players) adjust on their own.”
The Red Knights dropped their second straight game to open the season. They fell to Cypress Lake in four games Tuesday, despite dominating the opening game, 25-9.
Despite the results, Ridgeo said he likes the progress the team has made in just two games.
The Red Knights have several seniors who are playing volleyball for the first time. Smith, a member of the basketball team, has showcased her athleticism in each of the first two contests.
She finished with six blocks against Mariner. Senior Alyssa Dougherty and Tryon, a sophomore, tallied nine and eight digs, respectively.
North participates in the LaBelle Tournament Friday and Saturday. The Tritons return to action Monday at Cypress Lake.