West Valley keeps composure, power past Paradise

Tradition runs strong at West Valley under volleyball coach Carla Davis. Her players know it and preach it.

"The girls came together before the game and explained the tradition that we have here at West Valley to the younger ones," Davis said of her varsity squad. "They help everyone in the program so the next group becomes better, they're great."

So it came as no surprise that the Eagles continued their dominance over Paradise with a three-set win on Wednesday, 25-10, 25-20, 25-8.

The Eagles came out fired up for their first home game of the season, taking the lead early in all three sets and not letting up.

"We had a lot of intensity playing as a team," said senior team captain Paige Adkins. "We were relentless getting to the ball and making sure our setter had a chance at making a good set so we could put it away."

The Eagles quickly put together a 9-0 run in the first set that was highlighted by Adkins' two kills and one ace. But net violations on consecutive plays and a setting error ended the rally and gave the Bobcats hope. However, West Valley reeled off five aces, three of which by setter Molly McWilliams, down the stretch to end the set.

The second set, however, did not run as smoothly for the Eagles. The West Valley defense fell apart and had trouble handling serves, which kept the Bobcats alive. With the game tied at nine, junior middle Becky Mazanec sparked a 9-2 run with one of her six kills in the match and the Eagles pulled away to take the set.

"We weren't very consistent with out passing and it hurt us," Davis said. "We've been struggling with it at practice, but we pulled it together when we needed to."

West Valley regained its composure on defense in the third set, keeping the ball alive for a few long rallies. Then their playmakers took over.

McWilliams set Adkins for six kills during a 15-1 run in the third set. Senior middle Jessica Wilcox also contributed to the rally, rifling off four aces.

Adkins led the Eagles and finished with 12 kills, eight digs and two aces while Wilcox added seven kills, five aces and two digs.

"Those two are wonderful players in every aspect of the game," Davis said. "They're both dedicated to winning and playing hard on every point, and it makes their teammates around them better."

The West Valley setting combination of McWilliams and sophomore Taylor Ross kept the Bobcat defense off-balance throughout the match. McWilliams posted 16 assists and six aces, and Ross added 12 assists, three digs and an ace.

Overall, Davis was impressed with the way her team opened the season. Despite the hiccup in the second game, she says the Eagles defense will have to play better than Wednesday for her team to have a shot at West Valley's fifth section title in the past six years.

And it all starts with senior libero Allison Osbourne, who led the Eagles with 13 digs in the match.

"Allison really stepped up playing libero," Davis said. "She has been more consistent and aggressive than expected," Davis said.

West Valley needs to keep its energetic intensity going all season long since the Eagles rely on it to keep the momentum in their favor.

"We were fired up all game," Adkins said. "Everyone played hard. We need to play like that every game and never gave up on a ball."