WINNEMUCCA - It has been a while since Lowry High School has had the opportunity to field a freshmen volleyball team.
However, when 15 ninth-graders attended tryouts in mid-August, the Lady Bucks were in a position to bring back the squad. The group of seven girls took to the floor for the first time this past Saturday in Truckee for a one-day tournament and finished second.
"The girls definitely exceeded my expectations," said LHS head coach Mandy Chaffin. "I went in with the hope that the girls would win one or two matches. The teamwork was phenomenal and they pulled together as a group. It was nice to get compliments from other coaches. It makes you feel good as a coach that others think you are running a good program. Since we haven't had a freshmen team in a few years, no one thought we would be as competitive as we were."
Lowry opened the tournament with a three-set win over Dayton. The Dust Devils claimed the first set 25-22, with the Lady Bucks winning the final two sets 25-18 and 15-7.
In its next match, Lowry met up with Spanish Springs of the Division I North. Both sets were back and forth affairs, with the Cougars prevailing 25-23 and 25-22. Spanish Springs' varsity team won the Division I state championship last year.
"Some of the girls have played club volleyball against them," Chaffin said. "Spanish Springs has a big freshmen class like us."
The Lady Bucks bounced back to beat Spring Creek 25-13 and 25-17 and Elko in three sets to reach the championship match against Woodcreek, Calif.
The school in Roseville narrowly defeated the Lady Bucks 25-22 and 25-23 for the title.
"We definitely exceeded everybody's expectations," added the coach. "It was a great championship match and it could have gone either way. We have a couple of girls that are brand new to the game, but they are getting there. The other girls have taken them in and have been helping me out all the time. It's a new experience for me, coaching volleyball for the first time."
The Lowry freshmen volleyball team includes Jade Moore, Amya Herrera, Tiana Herrera, Alexis Allen, Annaleise Gabica, Aimee Brandon and Aushia Townsend.
Lowry makes its home debut today against Dayton at 4 p.m. The Lady Bucks travel to Fernley on Saturday for an 11 a.m. start.
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