The Lakeland volleyball team played host to the Edison State Chargers tonight in OCCAC action and fell by a score of 3-0 (15-25, 12-25, 17-25). In game one, both teams started off strong as they traded points until the score was 7-7. The Chargers then took advantage of Laker miscues while also converting some nice swings as they pulled away and took game 1. In game 2, Edison jumped out to an early lead while the Lakers were unable to get into an offensive rhythm. That pattern continued throughout the set as the Chargers took game 2. Game 3 had a bit of a different feel. Again, the Chargers jumped out to an early lead, but the Lakers battled back. Lakeland picked up their defense and had several outstanding digs and defense at the net. The Chargers also played strong defense though as the two teams had long rallys. In the end, the Lakers were unable to overcome the early deficit as they dropped game 3.
Sydney Park had a team high 7 kills and 2 digs while Taylor Williams-Stevens recorded 6 kills, 6 digs, and was involved with 4 blocks. Alyssa Lino had a strong game collecting 3 kills while being involved with 5 blocks and Estella Dotson had a team high 12 digs to go along with a kill and an ace. Abby Karasek had 2 kills and was involved with 3 blocks while Allison Hedrick added 4 digs and a kill. Avrie Shenkel finished with 3 kills while Zoe Babnik recorded 6 digs. Samantha Winter collected 23 assists, 6 digs, and was involved with 3 blocks for the Lakers.
Players of the Game: Taylor Williams-Stevens, Alyssa Lino, Estella Dotson.
Watts' Word: "It was a tough match for us today. We worked hard, but had difficulty putting it away at times. Credit Edison State as they played strong defense. I am pleased, in general, with a lot of our development this season. We have continued to work hard and I'm looking forward to continuing that growth with the returning players. I also want to thank our sophomores (Rebecca Ferrell, Allison Hedrick, and Avrie Shenkel) again for their efforts throughout the past two years - we wish them the best of luck with everything that they do and we are certain that they will continue on their paths to success."
