Lady Wolves claim victory at volleyball alumni game

The Lady Wolves volleyball team held its annual alumni game last Wednesday, the day after Christmas. The game brought together current team members and former players to compete in a fun three-out-of-five tournament. Before the game began, however, current members of the Lady Wolves were recognized with a series of awards. Many teammates had earned recognition during the past season, in which they took second place in regionals and rode out an earthquake during the state tournament in Anchorage, but Coach Jessica Whitaker wanted to give team awards to her players.

Everyone present for the alumni game received honors, including "most improved" Kendra Meissner, "best server" Ashley Allen, and "best net player" and "MVP" Helen Decker.

The alumni team took the lead early in the first game, and held it to almost the midpoint. The Lady Wolves caught up and tied the game at 14 to 14. There was some back and forth between the teams, each getting ahead before the game tying again, before the Lady Wolves finally pulled ahead. The first game went to the Lady Wolves, 25 to 22.

During the second game, the alumni team made several points early on and held a decent lead. The Lady Wolves fought hard to catch up, and tied the game at 10 to 10. The teams re-tied again at 13 to 13, then 14 to 14. Once again, the Lady Wolves were able to pull ahead after some hard spikes and impressive saves. The high schoolers won with a final score of 25 to 21.

The third and final game was very competitive. Both teams were neck and neck for the first portion of the game, answering point for point. The Lady Wolves were able to pull ahead after a tie of 6 to 6. Despite a last-minute rally by the alumni team, the Lady Wolves won the third game and the whole tournament with a score of 25 to 17.

The alumni team did get to savor some victory, too, however. After the third and officially final game, both teams agreed to play a fourth game just for the fun of it. Though this game was only for fun, it was no less competitive. The lead changed hands several times in this game. The Lady Wolves took the lead for the first half of the game, but then the alumni team caught up and overtook them. The Lady Wolves pulled ahead again, only to fall behind the alumni team two points later. At the very end of the game, it was tied 23 to 23, and then 24 to 24. In a close finish, the alumni team won by two points, 24 to 26.