Senior Night Fires Up Lady Bruins

October 12, 2018

volleyball_10_12_18 — Sophomore Sierra Fitzhugh #8 with the block at the net.

Thursday night was ‘Senior Night’ at the Bruins arena, and after last nights performance, this reporter declares every night ‘Senior Night’ if that’s the kind of play we are going to get to see.

Junior Sanoe Fanene #7 with one of her 11 kills on the night.

In the last article the Wild Coast Compass said, “the varsity Volleyball team came out with an extra spring in their step as the Pink wave in the stands pushed them to exceptional play. The team seemed to jump a little higher at the net and get on the floor a little quicker for digs with the loudest volleyball gym of the year so far”. Well, coach Lorinda Shew brought a totally different, even more fired up team to the floor against St, Mary’s last night.

Sophomore Shelby Jirsa #5 and junior Cartyr Fitzhugh challenging the Crusaders at the net.

A determined team stepped onto the court for the Lady Bruins, and it showed in team defense. Long sustained rallies were on the menu as the team put together 40 digs led by senior Mayce McCollum with 15 of the 40 digs. Sonoe Fanene, Shelby Jirsa and senior Destiny Lopez refused to let rallies die in front of them as each recorded 6 digs.

Senior Maggie Steerman #3 up high outreaching St. Mary’s at the net.

The Lady Bruins challenged every opportunity at the net as both teams fought to control the center of the court. Net play was exciting all night long with blocks as both teams were in each others space consistently. Again, Sonoe Fanene led the Lady Bruins with more than half of Brookings-Harbors Kills having 11 of the teams 20 Kills on the night. Shelby Jirsa followed with 5 kills of her own.

Sophomore Shelby Jirsa #5 pounding the ball through the Crusader block.

The Lady Bruins fought courageously in the first two matches falling just short after a long back and forth dramatic second set that ended 28-30 from forced errors and attrition on both teams.

Varsity Coach Lorinda Shew keeping the team mentally tough in the back and forth 2nd match.

Coach Lorinda Shew has been emphasizing the need to improve serving all season long, and the Lady Bruins stepped up Tuesday night showing that it obviously has been an aspect of the game the team has been working on. The Lady Bruins racked up 11 aces on the night led by senior Mayce McCollum who was responsible for 4 of the teams 11. Senior Destiny Lopez and Maggie Steerman each had 2 aces of their own.