By Mike Maltais
The Liberty Bell High School varsity girls’ volleyball team used composure and court savvy to turn back a strong Tonasket team three games to one in a wild season opener last Thursday (Sept. 12).
After giving up the first game to the Tigers, 25-20, the Lady Lions rallied behind solid serving, sound backcourt defense and aggressive net play to win the next three matches 25-21, 26-24, and 25-16.
As Mountain Lions mascot Logan Szafas led the cheers from the crowd of sideline supporters, team captain Taylor Curtiss and a core of veteran players took the best the Tigers could throw at them and returned a little more.
Junior Baylee Canedo’s play at the libero position showed that she will once again be a major contender for All-League First Team honors as she repeatedly dug under Tiger serves to set up volleys for her teammates.
Katherine Tannehill and Ashley Watson scored consecutive points from the service line when the Tonasket backcourt had trouble getting under the deep serves.
Sarina Williams and Whitney Fox were powers at the net on defense and along with Curtiss scored a number of decisive kill shots.
On Saturday (Sept. 14) Liberty Bell kept its unbeaten streak intact when they vanquished the Lions at Concrete in three straight games, 25-12, 25-15, and 25-19.
The Lady Lions travel to Entiat to face the Tigers Thursday (Sept. 19) at 5 p.m. Then it’s on to the Bridgeport Tournament at 9 a.m. Saturday (Sept. 21). Liberty Bell will host Waterville at 5 p.m. Tuesday (Sept. 24).
