Baker, North notch volleyball wins

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Photo by YUNET HOLMES Ida Baker players celebrate after a point in their preseason match against Island Coast Thursday at North Fort Myers High. More photos are available online at cu.cape-coral-daily-breeze.com

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Photo by YUNET HOLMES Island Coast’s Natalie Thoenes gets ready to return the ball during Thursday’s preseason match.

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Ida Baker sophomore Brenna Hambsch goes up for a spike in a preseason volleyball match Thursday at North Fort Myers High School. Baker faced first-year varsity program Island Coast in the first match and host North Fort Myers played Dunbar in the second match.

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Island Coast’s Amanda Demuth makes a return during the match. More photos are available online at cu.cape-coral-daily-breeze.com

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First-year varsity team Island Coast put up a strong fight against new city rival Ida Baker Thursday night, but the more experienced Bulldogs prevailed 25-13, 25-15 in a preseason classic at North Fort Myers High School.

It was the second preseason win for the Bulldogs after defeating Dunbar in straight sets Tuesday, but coach Rene Van Horn said the two games were important in showing what areas the team needs to focus on in practice.

“It was nice to get back on the court,” she said. “We found some things, even in the wins, that we need to work on.”

Sophomore Kali Nordquist recorded four kills for the Bulldogs. Senior Chelsea Shafer had four kills and four aces, while senior Taryn Maymon added three kills and three solo blocks.

n North Fort Myers 2, Dunbar 0: The host Red Knights picked up their second straight win in the preseason classic with a 25-15, 25-13 victory over Dunbar.

The Knights are working out the kinks and giving their young players time to grow.

They lost six seniors from last year, but possess good size, third-year coach Jeremy Ridgeo said.

The Knights open the regular season Tuesday when they host Island Coast.