The Lady Eagles took a 3-0 (25-15, 25-12, 25-17) Cook Inlet Conference win over Eagle River High School last Tuesday night at the Nest here at West.
So far this season, West is 2-6 in the Cook Inlet Conference with two wins over Bartlett and Eagle River. During the game, sophomore setter Rosie Rush contributed 27 assists, seven digs, and three serving aces. In addition, star sophomore middle hitter, Ashton Jesse, added eight kills, senior outside hitter Hana Lance with five kills and five digs and sophomore middle hitter Brynn O’Connell contributed seven kills for the lady eagles that night.
Third year varsity head coach, Mike Vincent, had a few things to say about the “key players of the game.” “ Ashton Jesse was a dominant force in the middle, making very little mistakes,” said Vincent. “Rosie Rush had a phenomenal game as well, she distributed the ball well while also serving aggressively.” Rush, being the only returning varsity starter, converted from playing a right side hitter to the role of primary setter this season.
Vincent also stated that, “ This might have been the best match this team has played all season.” West’s defense was unstoppable during the game, creating very little stress for the offense to make a winning play. When asked about how she thought her team played over all, Rush said, “We played so well against Eagle River, most likely because their level of play was not as high as the level of play we are expected to play here at West.”
One reason for West’s success this season has been because of the addition of sophomore middle hitter, Ashton Jesse, who transferred from South High late last year after playing a successful season as a member of the South High School state championship volleyball team. When asked about Jesse, Rush said, “She is a hard, consistent hitter and smart player with a great can do attitude, not to mention she’s about 6’2” so that gives her quite the advantage over some.”
With the team roster comprised mostly of sophomores and juniors and only two seniors (Kia Hasson and Hana Lance), the eagles are one of the youngest teams in the Cook Inlet Conference this season.
Does this give the eagles any advantage? Well according to Rush it hasn’t so far. Rush indicated that the team is still learning how to play with each other even this late into the season. She thinks that within the next couple years the Eagles will be a force to be reckoned with.
The lady Eagles next game will be played against the Bartlett Bears next Tuesday (October 16th) at the West High gym. C team plays at 5:00pm, JV at 6:00pm, and Varsity at 7:15pm. Come out and support your lady eagles and show Bartlett that West is best.