Wave swamp Bulldogs 3-0
During the opening game Thursday, the Ida Baker Bulldogs took their best shot at District 4A-11 favorite Fort Myers, even putting together a run of points that forced the host Wave to call a timeout.
As the match continued, the Wave, again, proved their superiority on the volleyball court compared to the Bulldogs, as well as any other district foes.
The Wave snatched game one and never looked back in a 25-18, 25-4, 25-8 victory.
The Wave (8-1) have not dropped a set in seven district matches this season.
“It’s hard to compete against a team that is all club players that play year-round,” Baker coach Rene Van Horn said. “We have some club players, but not like that.”
The Bulldogs (7-3) weren’t satisfied, but Van Horn said it was a performance they can build on. Senior Chelsea Shafer (eight kills) and sophomore Brenna Hambsch (three kills) sparked the attack for the Bulldogs.
“I’m really proud of our effort,” she said. “In the first game, the girls were having fun playing the game. They covered each other and knew what was happening and where they were supposed to be.”
The Bulldogs play in the Estero Invitational Saturday.
Gateway 3, Island Coast 2: Breakdowns in serving and floor errors proved costly as Island Coast lost to Gateway Charter 10-25, 25-17, 25-16, 19-25, 15-8.
Sadie Alama led the Gators with four kills while Joanna Null contributed two service aces and Kelsey Gates added one kill and one block.
The Gators (2-10) are in action Saturday with Mariner, Cape Coral and Ida Baker in a tournament at Estero.
North Fort Myers 3, South Fort Myers 1: After starting the season 2-8, the North Fort Myers Red Knights are making a strong statement as one of the area’s most improved teams.
The host Knights (7-9) won their third straight match with a four-game triumph over South Fort Myers, 21-25, 25-13, 25-15, 25-17.
After dropping the opening set, the Knights began to turn things around when Jessica Petrucci served 14 straight points.
Jessica Wagner (12 kills, four blocks), Miranda Ashby (eight kills) and Susie McKeever (17 assists, five kills, three aces), were among the leaders for North.
Lemon Bay 3, Mariner 0: Despite dropping the first two sets, the host Mariner Tritons never backed down in the third set.
Lemon Bay, though, managed to complete the sweep, 25-18, 25-9, 26-24.
“The last game we played closer to our ability,” Mariner coach Tom Faasse said.
Juniors Abby Willis (seven kills, seven digs) and Samantha Greenwell (16 assists), and senior Debra Swain (12 digs, five kills) led the Tritons.
The Tritons (3-8) play in the Estero Invitational Saturday.
Riverdale 3, Cape Coral 0: The Cape High Seahawks remain winless on the season after Thursday’s 25-7, 25-3, 25-10 defeat at Riverdale.
The Seahawks (0-10) go for their first win Saturday in a tournament at Estero along with Mariner, Island Coast and Ida Baker.