Lady Broncos win league opener in three games

It took just three games to dispatch Mary Walker Tuesday night when the Lady Broncos opened the Northeast 2B League volleyball season. Lind-Ritzville/Sprague rolled to an easy victory, 25-14, 25-10 and 25-12.

The team’s preseason outings, including the Bronco Volleyball Invite and the Odessa-Harrington Jamboree, provided the team and its coaches with an opportunity to work on some wrinkles on offense and defense.

Coached by Cari Galbreath, the team has been assisted by veteran coach Kathy McAnally who agreed to assist while Galbreath is out on a brief maternity leave.

Wednesday, McAnally said the team has made adjustments early in the year that are proving successful. She is also enjoying the team unity.

“The team chemistry has been excellent,” McAnally said. “It’s one of the best starts of a season we have had as far as team chemistry. It’s one of the things a coach cannot create.”

The preseason competition hasn’t been against the toughest teams LRS will face this year. During those matches, the coaches have made specific adjustments in an effort to prepare for several talented league opponents.

“The Bronco Invite was a good time for the girls to get down the system,” McAnally said. “We are implementing a few changes in the line up.”

Jenna Bennett traditionally plays as a setter. This year she will also work from the outside hitter spot when the team used a 6-2 format. The new strategy for the Lady Broncos employs two setters instead of having just one setter on the floor in the 5-1 formation.

Bennett will be the setter while in the back row and then shift to outside hitter when she’s in the front row, and Sydney Nelson will handle the setting.

“Jenna proved effective on the outside and we are able to get the ball to her more,” McAnally said.

Dalyn Killian is coming on as evidenced by her strong play Tuesday night. She suffered an early season ankle sprain and seems to be overcoming that.

“She’s our senior captain and has been our go to person,” McAnally said.

A major change for the entire team is serving. Traditionally the Lady Broncos have been a bit more conservative, aiming for consistency. This summer Cory Whitmore worked on serving with the players. He suggested, after the Bronco Invite, that the team would benefit from a more aggressive serving technique.

“He thought we did better when we served tough,” McAnally said. “In the past the philosophy was to serve consistently, as opposed to using serving as an offensive weapon. Serving more aggressively has increased our confidence.”

Specifically, Mallory Kessler has been given permission to use her jump serve.

“We’re letting her swing away,” McAnally said. “She was good in practice with it. Effective.”

This week the team will face Northwest Christian and is expected to be one of the league’s top contenders. McAnally expects the match to give the team a better perspective of how well prepared they are for the season.