The Homer varsity volleyball team competed last weekend in the Grace Christian Tournament, making it into the highest competition bracket and placing fourth overall.
Eighteen teams participated in the tournament.
During pool play on Friday, the Lady Mariners beat out Houston, Su-Valley, Grace Christian, Nikiski, Kodiak and Sitka. The team went into bracket play Saturday, competing in the platinum bracket — the highest bracket overall in the tournament. Homer defeated Kenai and Monroe Catholic School, and “fought hard” against Valdez, head coach Brenna Dornellas said, “going point for point in the third set” but losing by just a single point.
Junior Swift Blackstock was named All Tournament Player for Homer. Dornellas said that the award is voted on by all coaches at the event, except for the player’s own coach. Blackstock also made 53 serving points and had 40 digs, 122 attacks and 41 kills across all tournament matches.
Junior Alysha Nyvall, the varsity team setter, had 90 serve attempts, 20 aces, and 53 serving points. She also had 128 assists, 52 digs and 18 kills.
Middle blockers Madalyn Miotke and Jaelynn Kennon “both showed up for their team with amazing net play as well,” Dornellas said. Miotke had 58 attacks and 20 kills, and Kennon had 95 attacks and 38 kills.
“Both played with so much intensity,” Dornellas said. “It was so much fun to watch.”
Outside hitter Reilly Sue Baker “dominated” on serve receive with 74 successful passes and 38 digs. Baker also had 157 attacks and 49 kills.
Dornellas said that sophomore Piper Fuchs “led the team” as libero, or back-row defensive specialist, with 114 serve reception passes, 58 digs and four assists.
“Everyone showed up as a team all weekend long and we played some really good volleyball,” Dornellas said Tuesday. “I’m looking forward to the week ahead … To say we are ready and hungry for a good match is an understatement. The girls have been putting in the work at practice and I’m excited to see them put it into competition play.”
The Mariners will face Kenai on Thursday in the Homer High School Alice Witte Gymnasium, before travelling to Seward on Saturday.
