3A State Final Four Top Performers
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Lakeside reigned supreme over the 3A field in the SunDome, ending the seasons of two Spokane area rival schools to take home the title. The Lions battled Mt. Spokane in the semi-finals first, defeating the game Wildcats 3-1. Then it…
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Continue ReadingLakeside reigned supreme over the 3A field in the SunDome, ending the seasons of two Spokane area rival schools to take home the title. The Lions battled Mt. Spokane in the semi-finals first, defeating the game Wildcats 3-1. Then it was another big cat matchup, with the Lions sweeping aside the Mead Panthers 3-0 to finish an undefeated season in the state of Washington. Lakeside was built with a strong senior core of standout players who were all in after a quick exit at state last season. The four schools all played extremely well to reach the semi-finals, here are some of the players that helped drive their success.
Mead rode their senior outside hitter all the way to a second place trophy. In the title game serve receive issues overall kept the Panthers somewhat one-dimensional, and Lakeside was able to load up against the strong armed Western Washington commit. Moeller still brought the heat just as she did all season, and showed a nice off speed game that has grown throughout her high school and club career. Her defensive intensity is always top notch, and this year she showed the serve receive, passing and serve game needed to be a six rotation mainstay. The Panthers expect a talented group of upperclassmen to lead a state run again next season, setter Brielle Wilson, libero Olivia Paul and middle Ava Durgan will all return as starters and all-league performers in 2023.
AK Short
AK Short
The Bears needed every bit of Short in the middle to pull the upset of #3 seed Peninsula and reach the semi-finals against Mead. The senior posted 6 blocks, 5 aces and 8 kills on a scorching 12 swings against the Seahawks. Then she posted another 5 blocks against Mead, and capped her state tournament with 10 blocks versus Mt. Spokane in the win for third place overall. When you check the numbers for the tournament, the Bears, mixed up the offense and did not rely on one star performer to get it done. Setter Emily Meade made great choices, and connected well with Short on the “three”. It’s very apparent that Short does outstanding eye work and is smart on hedging her block when she sees the opportunity.
Ama is one heck of a volleyball player, and was really more than just a setter for the Wildcats this season. She is a setter primarily, and if not the best in the state right in the mix, but she did so much more than that. She moved to the right on a regular rotation to take big swings, played great technical and instinctive defense, (tips are not welcome here) has great strength on the block and served long/short with tremendous precision and keen awareness. Truly its the setting that’s so sweet though, while appearing seemingly effortless. The Mt Spokane attackers benefited immensely from her athleticism, skill, location, and ability to send a hittable ball from virtually anywhere on the court to any player. Pins Jillian Davis and Jordyn Williams will be leaned upon next season, and both had very productive matches at the SunDome. Ama moves on to Chaminade next season, ending a run of Ama’s at Mt Spokane that started in 2016 with sister Malina.
Its not difficult to see the Lakeside roster, and credit the seniors that had such a huge impact for the Lions, but that’s not the whole story for the 2022 squad. The team had a secret weapon in the hand slapping, back patting, high fiving libero in the #1 jersey. Gao is a leader, who plays with great confidence for a sophomore on a team with many good upperclassmen, not an easy feat. Technically she is quick, reads dumps and tips easily, and has a wonderful platform in serve receive. Add in a flat, accurate serve and you have what you need for a highly proficient libero. What sets her apart is the talk, encouragement and energy she brings to the court, and the impact that has on her teammates. Middle Lauryn Coleman will return as a sophomore and help Gao lead the Lions next season.