The Cheney high volleyball team snapped a three-match losing streak after defeating West Valley at home in Great Northern League (GNL) play, Sept. 23, to pick up their first win of the season. Two days later they dropped a league match to the Pullman Greyhounds.
In the match against West Valley, the Blackhawks turned in an impressive performance, with winning scores 25-20, 25-16 and 25-21.
Head coach Courtney Webb said her team played “really clean” defense, which helped the setters set up the hitters. Setter Peyton Stark had nine assists while Kayla Lemelin and Rylie Pease had a combined 10 kills.
“Getting that first win was pretty exciting for the girls and for me,” Webb said. “It felt good to come out on top, especially in three games. This is the best I’ve seen them play so far.”
The Blackhawks were unable to keep their momentum going in the match against Pullman. The game scores were 25-15, 25-17 and 25-13.
Webb said her team’s serving and serve-receive game was good; however they struggled with the Greyhounds’ blocking.
“The tough part was trying to set up points off kills,” Webb said. “They were the toughest team we’ve faced at the net.”
Cheney (1-3 GNL, 1-4, overall), who still sits in fourth place in the GNL rankings, has a busy week ahead of them. After their road match against first-place East Valley (4-0, 4-1), Sept. 30, the Blackhawks will host third-place Clarkston (2-2, 2-2), Oct. 2.
“We’ll be focusing on one match at a time,” Webb said. “Clarkston has some players who can hit down the line, so we’re preparing for that.”
Cheney will compete in the Sheridan Classic, Oct. 3-4, which will bring in teams from Washington and Idaho.
“This is going to be one of the biggest tournaments I’ve been in as a coach,” Webb said. “We’re looking forward to getting a lot of playing time this weekend, practicing our skills and playing as a team.”
Al Stover can be reached at al@cheneyfreepress.com.
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