Senior outside hitter Khalia Lanier was back in Xavier’s
volleyball lineup, with a smile on her face and little or no aftereffects that
caused her to miss about two weeks with a sprained ankle.
Lanier had the same smile, same agility and same power kill shots,
playing the first two games out of three that afforded the Gators a three-game
sweep against visiting Mesa Red Mountain on Thursday night (Oct. 8).
The win was Xavier’s 20th in 25 matches this
season.
“She (Lanier) feels good. I think playing again was probably
more a mental adjustment than physical,’’ said Xavier coach Lamar-Renee Bryant.
The Gators continued to play short-handed due to injuries of
setter Callie Jones and sophomore outside hitter Lanie Wagner. And, just
Xavier’s luck, junior middle blocker Makena Patterson’s illness kept her from
playing against Red Mountain.
Just as she had in previous matches without Lanier, Bryant
juggled the lineup and XCP was able to demonstrate its depth, including a
handful of call-ups from the junior varsity.
“All of the younger girls contributed,’’ Bryant said.
Sophomore middle blocker Alex Diaz-Infante had a strong
night at the net, contributing several kills and blocks. Senior libero Kristen
Largay, who thus far has been the team’s most reliable player, kept Xavier on
target with her serves and defense, particularly on the back row.
Freshman Shannon Shields set Lanier and her teammates up
with accurate passes that led to points.
The Gators will be back in action next week with a match at
Peoria Centennial on Wednesday (Oct. 14) and two days of play in the Gilbert
Tournament at Gilbert High on Oct. 16 and 17.
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