The team was
near the top of its game in the season opener against Mesa Mountain View,
recording a 25-8, 25-16, 25-8 sweep at the Activity Center.
“It was a
great start for us,’’ said Xavier coach Lamar-Renee Bryant. “We had a lot of
energy, a lot of discipline and we were focused.
“Once we
settled in, we became more comfortable. We were able to execute our offense,
and when we do that, we are tough to stop.’’
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On the way to a sweep: winning a match 3-0 can make you smile a lot. (Photos by Sr. Lynn Winsor). |
Junior
Trinity Cavanaugh gave the Gators a boost in the first game with four service
aces. They helped build an 8-2 lead, and the team never looked back from there.
Mountain
View was a bit more competitive in the second game, creating four ties about
midway through the contest.
Sophomore
Bri McKnight stepped up in this one with several big kills and good service
skills.
It was an
encouraging sign, Bryant said, because McKnight had been nursing a sore
shoulder.
In the third
game, Xavier broke an early tie and went on a 7-0 run to get control.
That enabled
Bryant to use most of her bench and get everyone some valuable playing time.
“Everybody
played at a high level,’’ Bryant said.
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Senior outside hitter Lanie Wagner (18) sends a powerful shot over Mountain View defenders. |
The coach
praised the play of senior outside hitter Lanie Wagner, senior libero Alyna
Draper and was pleased with the ball distribution of junior setter Shannon
Shields. Another player to watch closely is freshman outside hitter Serena
Turner, who appears to be gaining strength and confidence at the net each time
out.
Next up for
the Gators is a match at Goodyear Millennium on Thursday (Aug. 31). Start time
is 6 p.m.