Coming off pre-season games over the weekend, including the Arcata Tournament in McKinleyville where head coach Vanessa Nidiffer and the Bruin girls varsity volleyball team put together some wins, the Bruin girls hosted the Illinois Valley Lady Cougars in their final pre-season match-up Tuesday evening.
In the First set the Bruin girls set the pace, fighting for every ball looking to establish a lead and control the first set. The Bruin girls would establish a small lead but the Lady Cougars would keep the set close. The Bruin girls would push through a late Illinois Valley rally to take the 25-21 first set win.
In the second set, the Bruin girls continued the hustle and determination to get to every ball, establishing an early lead and expanding that lead late in the set. Again, Illinois Valley would string together some points to close the gap an bring the Lady Cougars with two points late, before the Bruin girls would take control late and finish the set with a 25-17 win.
In the third set, the Bruin girls and the Lady Cougars would trade points and possessions early in the set working to an 11-11 tie early. But the Bruin girls were determined, and getting the ball on the Illinois Valley half of the court would force Lady Cougar mistakes and the Bruin girls would extend a comfortable lead. The Lady Cougars would rally again, getting the score close late, but the Bruin girls would not be denied, putting the Lady Cougars away late to take a 25-20 set win, and the match in straight sets.
“It was great for the team to earn a win tonight in three straight sets.” coach Nidiffer told the Compass. “They are getting into a groove together on the court, and we are looking forward to starting league play on Thursday.
The Bruin girls will be on the road this Thursday, traveling to Rogue River to challenge the Lady Chieftains at 5:00pm.
