Lakewood spikers build confidence at Meridian tourney

BELLINGHAM — Confidence will be the key to the success of Lakewood volleyball, according to coach Tasha Kryger.

It showed as the girls competed in a varsity tournament at Meridian High, Sept. 13, that included teams as small as their 1A host and as big as 4A state-qualifier Edmonds-Woodway.

In a game already prone to scoring streaks, Lakewood witnessed many through their three pool games and one bracket game, defeating Meridian 25-13, 25-18 in their first pool draw. The breaks went the other way as they faced Seattle-area 4A Roosevelt, who defeated Lakewood 25-11, 25-13.

After a break that Kryger later said she figured was a little too long, Lakewood undertook a comeback against Squalicum that fell just a little bit short. The Storm easily took the first game, knocking off the Cougars 25-12. But despite Squalicum’s 11-3 lead at one point, Lakewood made a big comeback, thanks to a combination of kills by Amanda Gregory, Liliya Kibitskaya and Samantha Adams that helped Lakewood find their confidence.

Adams got a kill to edge Lakewood a little closer in game four, 11-4. The Cougars went on their own scoring streak going 10-2 over the next 12 points to tie up at 13-13. A kill by hitter Amanda Gregory gave Lakewood its first lead against the Storm since they jumped out to 1-0 in the first game.

The game remained close, but Squalicum would go on to narrowly close out game two 25-22, leaving Lakewood behind after a 16-16 tie.

After being seeded into a bracket, Lakewood drew Meridian for what would ultimately be their final game of the day.

The girls lost the first game 25-12, but pushed for a game three with a 25-14 win in the second game. Game three was tied as late as 13-13, but Meridian held on to score the last two points and avenge their loss in pool play.

“I was really happy that we had those really good teams there. I knew we had a solid team,” Kryger said. “Overall, I noticed if we have good passing, we’ll have a good season.”

Kibitskaya had 19 digs, nine kills and five service aces throughout the tournament. Libero Sarah Boe had 35 digs, including a 19-dig performance against Meridian that was close to a school record. Hitter Amanda Gregory recorded 14 kills, setter Peyton Mizell had 32 assists and from the backcourt, Hayley Liebel had five service aces, adding three solo blocks up front.

Contact Marysville Globe Sports Reporter Danielle Szulczewski at dszulczewskir@marysvilleglobe.com or 360-659-1300.

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