Homer followed the conference win with a nonconference victory over visiting Sitka 25-8, 24-26, 28-25, 25-22.
“It was great to see everyone on the team step up at different times during the match to take control and contribute to the win,” said Head Volleyball Coach Beth Trowbridge. “It felt like a real team effort overall.”
The Mariners looked confident early on against Wasilla and led 17-11 midway through the first game.
But the Warriors fought back to win the final six points to take the game.
From then on, Homer found a way to get points when they needed them.
“We have been working a lot on having a ‘side-out’ offense where we try to terminate the ball the first time it is put over the net,” said Trowbridge. “And although we didn’t do that consistently, they were working in making this happen, and definitely by game four they were in control and playing with lots of confidence.”
Trowbridge was especially pleased with outside hitter Rachel Bornheimer, who led the team with 15 kills with few errors.
Lindsay Layland added 10 kills and an aggressive style that seemed contagious, Trowbridge said.
“It is great to have her aggressive attitude in the middle and she sparks the team with her excitement,” Trowbridge said.
The Mariner serve was less effective than usual, but two Mariners, Taneeka Hansen and Layland, had long runs at critical times for Homer.
On defense, Amelia Robinson led the team with 11 digs, followed by Chelsea Owens and Bornheimer with 10 each. The Mariner blocking took some time to get consistent, but Reba Temple finished with 10 attempts, three solos and one assist to lead the way.
Trowbridge said she expects to see similar close games all year in conference play.
“The difference in a win or loss being determined by how aggressive we can be while maintaining consistency in our play,” she said.
Against Sitka the Mariners started strong, but fatigue set in by game two.
Strong blocking and serving carried the day, however as Temple blocked six shots, and Hansen and Bornheimer each had long serving runs.
The Mariners face Skyview Friday and then battle Soldotna on Tuesday. Both matches are in Homer.
Ben Stuart can be reached at ben.stuart@homer news.com.
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