Since wins have not worked as a measuring stick for Medical Lake volleyball this season, head coach Todd Harr has been searching for alternative ways to indicate progress.
In a pair of 3-0 losses to Colville (8-4 NEA, 8-4 overall) on Oct. 10 and Deer Park (5-6, 5-6) Oct. 12, Harr continues to spy things that only a coach might, such as certain statistical categories.
He pointed to an earlier loss to Colville where his team scored 34 points in three sets. This time out in losses of 25-15, 25-10 and 25-14 their point totals on the night rose to 39.
Playing a complete team match was the goal, Harr wrote in an email. “We were able to accomplish this as a team as we improved in each statistical category our second time around,” he said.
Sierra Brock led the way with 11 digs, setting the tone for the defense all night. “Lexi Redel led the way with two kills and has shown tremendous growth throughout the season,” Harr said.
“One of our worries about this season was how we would fare when it comes to blocking,” Harr said.” Medical Lake (0-12, 0-12) had the most touches on blocks all season while also getting blocks from Katie Kepner and Emily McCormick.
The Cardinals seemed to feed off their Oct. 10 performance in a home match versus Deer Park as in each set they pushed the Stags into uncomfortable territory, losing 25-20, 25-20 and 25-17.
“As a team we did things that we had not achieved all season,” Harr said. “This was the best match the team has played in my two years at Medical Lake.”
Kepner, Mayden Dutton and Lissa Hartwell each had five kills. Redel led the team in hitting percentage at .750, getting three kills on four attempts. Megan Goertz led the way setting and scored a season high 13 assists while only having one ball handling error. Mayden Dutton tacked on three aces to go along with five kills.
Harr is hoping the match serves as a springboard to show the team’s capabilities as the vision has shifted to 2018.
“This season could have ended weeks ago, but the girls were determined to fight and prove that they belong,” he said. “In the face of adversity they chose to come together as a team and fight, there is nothing more I could have asked for or would expect these girls to give.”
Well out of any playoff spot, Medical Lake closes the season this week. On Oct. 17 the Cards faced Chewelah (5-7, 6-7) and tonight, Oct. 19 traveled to Lakeside (11-0, 12-0).
Paul Delaney can be reached at pdelaney@cheneyfreepress.com.
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