Volleyballers are slamming strong

Juanita and LW digging into fall season.

By Andy Nystrom • September 13, 2019 3:30 pm

Juanita head coach Alyx Fuller aims to share her love for volleyball with her players while teaching and inspiring the Rebels in a positive environment.

“The team is like a family, we have each other’s back,” Fuller said. “We have a great group of young women on our team. They are all very excited to play not only for themselves, but for each other.”

The focused and hard-working Juanita squad is led by senior libero Bella Uttech, sophomore outside hitter Ashley Shroeder (5-foot-8) and junior middle blocker/right side Madi Kisker (5-foot-8). The Rebels, who began their season with a loss to Inglemoor in three close sets, also feature juniors Laila Taraghi at setter and Emma Sammons (5-foot-10) at middle blocker.

“I think we started off pretty strong, put a good foot out there. Now we know what we can improve on. We just need to bond more as a team, kind of click as a team,” said Kisker after the Inglemoor match on Sept. 11. “We have a long ways to go and I think we have a lot of potential this year.”

Kisker added that the Rebels excel at rebounding after losing a point and by inserting players into multiple positions.

LAKE WASHINGTON

The home crowd within the walls of the Lake Washington gym was buzzing after the Kangs defeated Inglemoor three sets to one on Sept. 12. Lightning struck outside, and literally did so inside as well.

Senior Isabel Macpherson, a 6-foot middle blocker, beamed with excitement after the match.

“Our school spirit is absolutely insane. The amount of people that showed up just to support us is crazy and they just mean the world to us. When they have high energy, it keeps our energy up,” she said, adding that communication was at a premium — on every pass, set and hit.

Macpherson said the Kangs are trying to win 3A KingCo this season and unleash their best effort along the way.

“I focus on my team’s attitude and effort and work to instill the discipline they need to play consistently at their best. I believe holding them accountable for their actions or inaction will achieve the discipline and high level of play we need to win,” said head coach Alyssa Flowers.

Joining Macpherson as impact players are senior middle blocker Makena Smith (6-foot), sophomore middle blocker/right side Elise Hani (6-3), sophomore outside hitter Chloe Murakami (5-8) and junior libero Lia Carroll.