MCDERMITT — After completing its season-opening match against Crane, Ore., on Tuesday night the McDermitt High School volleyball team is looking at the three-set loss as a learning experience and building block for later in the year.
The Mustangs defeated the Lady Bulldogs 25-13, 25-18 and 25-16.
“It was a learning experience for everyone, I even learned some things,” said MHS coach Danielle Wilson. “Now I know what we need to work on. I am still trying to break down that wall we have. I am letting them know they have to be together.”
McDermitt led three times in the first set, the last at 4-3, when Va Draunidalo sent a dig back to the open Crane floor. However, the Mustangs scored the next nine points to go in front 12-4 and never trailed again.
Back-to-back kills by Draunidalo and Adrie Smart closed the gap to six points at 12-6, only to see Crane pull away for a double-digit advantage at 23-13 and scored the last two point to win the set.
The Mustangs quickly seized the momentum in the second set, scoring six of the first seven points. An ace by Lydia Northrup and a kill by Draunidalo closed the gap to three points at 8-5. The Lady Bulldogs were as close as two points at 14-12, only to see the Mustangs score the next three points. Crane ended the set on a 5-1 run.
“We need to work on our spacing, because were bunching up,” Wilson said. “Crane was finding the open spots that we did not cover. We need to get our blocking up and going a little better as well.”
Kills by Megan Sam and Draunidalo started McDermitt off on a high note in the third set, but missed serves by both teams kept the score close.
Crane took the lead for good at 9-8 and with the score 14-12, the Mustangs closed out the match on a 10-4 run.
“It was the first match and everyone was wound up,” Wilson said. “The biggest thing for us is to get that first pass to the setter. If we can do that and get our setters a little quicker we will be OK.”
Coach Wilson said she was pleased with the play of freshman Precious Masters. “I liked her at the net today,” said the coach. “She looked good. You expect some nerves in your first match.”
McDermitt will have a week off until its next match on Friday, Sept. 11, in Jordan Valley, Ore., at 5 p.m. (MST). The Lady Bulldogs will be at home on Saturday, Sept. 12, to start Division IV East play against Carlin at 10 a.m.
“We have a lot of time to settle down and work on what we need to do,” Wilson said. “I’ll have an idea where everyone can play. I am proud of them. They played a tough team tonight. I want us to be the kind of team that Crane is. We totally played Crane’s game tonight. I am still excited to see what the girls can do.”
