Non-league match, successful for Lady T-cats

The LaCrosse-Washtucna Lady Tigercats competed in league and non-league games this week, walking away with a much-needed win Tuesday night. The Lady Tigercats faced Pomeroy in a home game on Thursday, Oct. 11, losing in three sets with scores 13-25, 25-27, 23-25, before playing Rosalia and winning in three sets.

The league game against Pomeroy proved difficult as the Lady Tigercats struggled defensively during the first set. The Lady Tigercats regained their composure during the next two sets and the two teams volleyed well until the final points.

After losing the first set by a significant margin, the Lady Tigercats strengthened their communication and team support. The team unity helped to take the score into extra points and improve coverage on defense.

“This was a high energy game. The team did a good job communicating with each other and worked hard,” said head coach Sarah Mayer. “We will continue to work hard on our serve receive and defense. We had great support for our breast cancer (awareness) and senior night match.”

The four senior athletes honored at the game were Chelsie Kneale, Shayla Sisk, Logan Harder and Anna Roberts.

In her last volleyball appearance at Washtucna High School, Harder stepped up to lead the Lady Tigercats in kills, aces and digs. Harder ended the night with eight kills, two aces and eight digs.

Sisk also earned two aces and one block, working well with Harder to provide a strong force at the net. Ashtyn Aune rotated as setter for the Lady Tigercats and racked up 10 assists during the game.

During the second set, Pomeroy led 24-22, and with match point on the line, Mayer put Lura Potter in to serve. Her serving proved successful and helped the Lady Tigercats battle for the final points in the game, eventually losing 25-27.

The third set was high intensity for both teams, and the key to win was playing smart defense. Pomeroy had strength in the front row, eventually giving them the win because of hard hits that flew by the Tigercats defense.

The Lady Tigercats faced Rosalia in a non-league game and the game also served as Rosalia’s homecoming match. The LW team earned the three-set win, 25-20, 25-19, 25-21, because of hard work and outstanding performances.

“The team did great,” Mayer said. “They worked as a team and communicated really well. They were covering well and transitioning quickly. The girls tried some new things and had a lot of fun. We play our last league game on Thursday at Colton.”

Harder had a tremendous performance, leading the Lady Tigercats in kills and digs. Harder earned 14 kills and 15 digs.

Aune contributed her setting skills to set up Harder for the perfect hit, and had 17 assists during the game. Kadie Whinery, the Lady Tigercats leading server, tacked eight points on the board with perfect serves.

Whinery was also a force to be reckoned with at the net, earning two blocks and leading the team in blocking during the night.

The Lady Tigercats had a total of 27 kills, 24 assists, 13 aces, 34 digs and three blocks.

The final league game for the Lady Tigercats takes place Thursday, Oct. 18, against Colton, with the varsity game being played first at 5:30 p.m. The final game of the season is against Tri-Cities Prep in LaCrosse on Thursday, Oct. 25, at 5:30 p.m.