Prep report: Baker wins Triton Invitational
Despite being shorthanded, the Ida Baker Bulldogs emerged as the champions of the six-team Triton Invitational volleyball tournament Saturday at Mariner High.
The tournament began Friday with the Bulldogs splitting a pair of matches against Charlotte and Evangelical Christian, but the Bulldogs advanced to Saturday’s final based on a point differential tiebreaker. They defeated Port Charlotte Saturday in a thrilling match, 23-25, 25-22, 15-12.
“It was a hard fought match,” Baker coach Rene Van Horn said. “They played with everything they had.”
The Bulldogs were without three key seniors – Deonnah Findley, Chelsea Shafer and Chelsea Gomer – but other players stepped up in their absence.
Sophomore Kali Nordquist moved into the setter position, normally occupied by Findley, and gave the Bulldogs a huge lift with 22 assists. Two other sophomores, Payton Van Horn and Brenna Hambsch, responded to increased playing time.
Van Horn tallied 13 kills, six digs and six service points, while Hambsch contributed three blocks and seven service points.
Other key performers were senior Taylor Van Horn (five kills, six digs), senior Chelsey Cline (six digs), seniors Taryn Maymon (five blocks) and senior Julia Robery (three blocks).
The Bulldogs (14-6) play at Dunbar Monday and host Island Coast Tuesday on senior night.