Lady Tigercats start a successful season in nonleague matches

The LaCrosse-Washtucna/Kahlotus Lady Tigercats started off the season on the right foot with a victory against Tekoa-Rosalia in a nonleague competition. The Lady Tigercats continued on to defeat Prescott in a nonleague match before losing a nonleague match to St. John-Endicott.

In the first match of the season, Head Coach Sandy Martin said the athletes worked well together for the first time out on the court. The Lady Tigercats earned the win in three sets: 25-13, 25-10, 25-16.

Martin said the team excelled with passing, but struggled with serving. She said in the past as a coach, it seems the team has always struggled with serve receive, but this year all of the focus and work of the past seasons is paying off.

Britte Harder stepped up to lead the team, Martin said, and battled to earn digs. Nicole Harder returns as the Lady Tigercats’ setter, and worked hard to set up every hit during the match.

The team moved on to face Prescott on Sept. 12 where they earned their second win of the season.

The Lady Tigercats swept the match again, winning with set scores of 25-21, 25-8, 25-15.

Jazzmyn Gordon led the team with five aces, nine kills, two blocks and four digs. Nicole Harder ended the night with 20 assists.

The following evening, the Lady Tigercats went on the road to face St. John-Endicott, and returned home with their first season loss.

The LWK battled on the court, refusing to give the game to the Lady Eagles, but the Lady Tigercats eventually lost with scores of 6-25, 24-26, 25-8, 19-25.

During both the Prescott and the SJE match, Martin said the Lady Tigercats had strong serve receive and serving.

Martin said the LWK team struggled with the Lady Eagles because they are the first team they have faced with strong hitters. The Lady Eagles have tall, strong athletes in the front row, Martin said, and they proved to be tough competition for the Lady Tigercats.

The team made minor adjustments during the match, but Martin said the team’s focus remained on the basics.

Martin said the Lady Tigercats are still learning their roles on defense, and the team is learning how to adjust to their opponent’s strengths.

Nicole Harder stepped up to lead the team with 19 assists and 15 digs. Gordon added 11 kills, and Autumn Meyers had two aces. Britte Harder continued to be a force at the net with three blocks.

The Lady Tigercats hosted a tournament in LaCrosse on Sept. 17. The team competed without Nicole, Britte and Alynn Harder who were participating in FFA contests.

The varsity team won both matches against Prescott and Asotin, and Martin said multiple athletes stepped up as leaders and had a fun experience.

The junior varsity squad played well, but lost both matches. Martin said the losses were expected as many of the junior varsity team members bumped up to varsity to fill vacancies.

The Lady Tigercats now move on to face Oakesdale in league competition on Sept. 22.