Winning games and taking names, the Lady Dragons swept their series of games over their homecoming week, from the highly anticipated varsity games to the freshman C matches, the MHS volleyball team won not only every match, but each game in every match.  The week’s schedule included conference matchups with the Aberdeen Tigers at home Wednesday, September 13 followed by the West Side Pirates in Dayton, Idaho on THursday, September 14.

The Lady Dragons hit the court Wednesday with excitement and anticipation for their second home game of the season as well as their homecoming week game.  That energy translated well to a dominating performance as they took on the Tigers.  Aberdeen put up a strong fight from game to game, but it was clear they were no match for the MHS Lady Dragons.

Despite a slower paced, less intense game, Malad never faltered in their aggressive attack as they moved through each play.  As the match wore on, head coach Camie Tripp used the game as an opportunity to mix things up and bring in other players for some crucial varsity experience.  Malad easily won the match in three quick games, winning 25-7, 25-7, and 25-5.

As exciting as the win was for the Lady Dragons, their next match against district rivals, the Pirates, was a long anticipated face off.  After a district upset loss and meeting up against West Side twice in the state tournament games, Malad was ready to take on West Side and take home the win.

Anticipating a tough battle with the Pirates, the Lady Dragons came out strong but it took some time to settle into the game.  They finally fell into a good rhythm after a near picture perfect play that began with a perfect pass that led to the ideal set, followed by a killer hit by Izzy Haycock.  

Feeling the intensity begin to rise, the Lady Dragons began to take command of the game.  Just moving to the front row, outside hitter Hallie Horsley put down a series of powerful hits to expand their lead over the Pirates.  West Side continued to battle back, demanding a strong defense from Malad.  In a single rally, backrow defenders Anistyn Tovey, Teagan Daniels, and Mikell Keetch kept the ball alive with stellar digs that eventually resulted in a point for the Dragons with hit from Horsley.

Aside from their strong play, the Pirates had height and size on their side, an obstacle that the Lady Dragons had to contend with as they matched up at the net.  Unsure with how things would play out, Coach Tripp was proud to see her hitters power through the West Side blockers and dominate at the net.  She commented, “Brynnlee Jones ended up going against their tallest blocker and just pounded the ball past her.  I was amazed!”  Working to bring a strong defense and offense to their play, the Lady Dragons won the first game of the match, 25-18.

Moving into the second game of the match, the MHS volleyball team began just where they had left off, bringing an intense pressure and aggressive play to the game.  Middle blocker Kaite Allen led the defense at the net, covering the Pirate attacks with a strong block.  Setter Adley Kimberling did well to not only read the defensive weaknesses, but also the best offensive opportunities for her team as she set up each hit.  

In an ideal situation, each play would feature a pass from the back row to the setter right of center and a few feet off the net.  Such a perfect pass would allow the setter more options for hitters and attacks.  Unfortunately, “ideal” isn’t the way volleyball bounces which means that when passers aren’t able to send the ball to their hopeful target, the team must all adapt in each situation in each play.  With their athleticism, skill and experience, the Lady Dragons are nothing short of able to flow with the game and not only make do with the bounce they have, but convert such moments into points.  

Kimberling, a senior for the Lady Dragons, has learned well how to read each situation and know where the best hit is, what sort of a set would be a stretch to accomplish and where is the safe play to guarantee to keep the ball alive.  In turn, her hitters have learned how to compensate on a difficult set, where to attack from and how to use each set in the most effective way.  

Not only are they able to adapt on the front row for a strong attack, the Lady Dragons are finding success with a strong back row attack as well.  Powerhouse hitter Horsley is a force to be reckoned with even when she isn’t lined up at the front row, giving her team more options on a difficult play.  Every rally might not play out how they would like, but with growing experience and improving skill, the MHS volleyball is learning to dominate the game, even when the bounce isn’t ideal.

Their quick, intense play led to Malad taking a commanding lead over West Side in the second game, winning 25-9.  With confidence and momentum on their side, the Lady Dragons kept the pressure on, controlling the play as they moved through the third game.  The Pirates gave a final effort throughout the game, playing with more intensity and trying to capitalize at the net with their height advantage, but it was the Lady Dragons game to win, sealing the deal with a score of 25-16.

Next for the Lady Dragons is their conference game in Soda Springs as they take on the Cardinals, Thursday, September 21.