Sophomore Success: LB Volleyball beats Mt. Hood on Sophomore Night
Playoffs are right around the corner and the LBCC Volleyball team was looking to finish out their final home game of the season with a win against the Mt. Hood Community College Saints on Wednesday, Oct. 25.
As the last home game of the season, the Roadrunners celebrated Sophomore Night, a night to reflect and honor the hard work that the departing sophomores have put into the program. LBCC had five sophomores on the volleyball team this year, Sara Fanger, Montanna Gubrud, Kylene Briggs, Katelyn Allen, and Bailee Tally.
Mt. Hood was looking to spoil the celebration however, as the Saints, who were in fourth place in the southern division, were hoping to claw their way into the playoffs, while LBCC, who is in second, looked to go into the playoffs no lower than the third seed.
The Roadrunners ended up winning in three straight sets and they still stand at second in the conference at 8-1 and 27-7 overall.
“This team was very scrappy and relentless at getting the ball, also they had a couple of tricky plays with some of their attacks,” said Fanger, captain and defensive specialist.
The first set was close, with Mt. Hood answering LB point-for-point. LBCC was able to take a narrow 19-16 lead towards the end of the set. After a Mt. Hood timeout, the Saints answered, scoring the next three points to tie it up. The Roadrunners finished off the set going on a 6-4 race to the end, winning 25-23.
LBCC came out aggressive in the second set and their execution was simply magnificent. Leading 19-9 at one point towards the end of the set and finished it out to win 25-11.
The third set had LB starting off a little slowly, giving up a few points but they were able to get back on track after a timeout, leading 19-10 at one point. Mt. Hood attempted to claw their way back in, but in the end the deficit was too much for them to overcome with LBCC finishing out the match 25-16.
“We came out and played as a team with good communication and we were always positive in bringing each other up,” said freshman offensive hitter McKya Filley.
Filley scored the most kills with nine, Fanger had 10 digs, and Kya Knuth also put up an impressive performance with 15 digs.
Fanger a Sophomore captain, reflected on her two seasons with the team.
“It’s been a great two years, I’ve had so much fun. Both years have been such amazing teams to be a part of and I am so happy that I chose this as my school,” said Fanger.
Captain and sophomore Katelyn Allen talked about her experience being coached under Jayme Frazier and also mentioned the encouraging community at LBCC.
“I just loved learning from coach Jayme she is such a great teacher of the sport and she loves it, also the community here at LBCC has so great and positive atmosphere,” said Allen.
Story by Joshua Knight
Photos by Angela Scott
