There was little fight in the Pen High Lakers against the Mt. Boucherie Bears.
That’s how Lakers captain Chloe Bryden felt following a four-set loss on Wednesday at home.
The Lakers took the opening set 25-22, then lost 15-25, 22-25 and 21-25.
Volleyball pic
“We were just hoping for them to make mistakes,” said Brydon. “I don’t think we played too well. We kind of had the jitters considering it was our first home game. And we did have a pretty large crowd for a fall game.”
The Lakers were unable to build momentum from the first set, which they led 20-10. Brydon said the Bears are tough to play against as they pass well and have a solid offence.
The Bears took advantage of their chances, which was something the Lakers weren’t able to do. After winning the Thompson Rivers University tournament by going 7-0, Brydon said there may have been the expectation to win because of their success in Kamloops.
“I think that hurt us a little bit,” she said.
Lakers Bears video
Brydon also sensed complacency amongst the group, always believing they would be fine and could dig themselves out of their hole.
“I think we should have been hungry and aggressive,” she said.
Brydon led the Lakers with 19 kills, while Britney Young had six. Jayden Schneider led at the serving line with three aces and added two stuff blocks.
“Our passing and serving let us down last night,” said Lakers coach Rob Gunning. “We have to serve and pass well against good teams in order to be successful.”
The Lakers senior girls went 7-0 to win the Thompson Rivers University tournament in Kamloops. The Lakers defeated King’s Christian, NorKam, Vernon, Okanagan Mission, Seaton, Kelowna Christian School and Caledonia. Only Seaton and KCS pushed the Lakers to three sets. Lakers co-coach Robert Gunning said the team played really well and added it’s a good start to the season.
The Lakers roster features seven Grade 12s, four Grade 11s and one Grade 10 player.
The Lakers next action is Oct. 4 when they host the Rutland Voodoo.
