This weekend’s match, won in three, showed Mariner volleyball is not slowing down as the season draws to a close. 

With four of six total serving errors in the first game, the Mariners regrouped and took control over play at Kenai Central High School.

“After struggling a little in the first half of the first set, our hitters settled down and made very few errors, managing the game well and moving the ball around when they couldn’t get a good swing at it,” said Head Coach Beth Trowbridge. “I thought we were aggressive and eager to go after balls, not letting very many hit the floor without a good effort.“

After gaining the lead in the third set, Homer struggled to side out. Kenai was able to tie the score at 23-23 and the Mariners fought it out for the win.

“The team rose to the challenge and finished the game (and match) with aggressive defense and offense, playing to win rather than playing not to lose. This was a huge step forward for the team, mentally and emotionally,” said Trowbridge.

The final scores for the match were 25-20, 25-17 and 26-24, all Homer victories.

The Mariners had their highest number of blocks all season in the match.

McKi Needham and Maryhana Bowe each had five block assists and Kyla Pitzman had six block assists. 

Maggie Larue and Needham each had 10 digs, Larsen Fellows had eight and Jane Rohr added six digs.

“Overall the level of play was very high and the team worked well together and stayed focused,” said Trowbridge, crediting tough serving and blocking as vital to the team’s success. Saturday the Mariners host the  “Play Like Crazy Tournament,” a tournament run by the volleyball team and featuring local teams sponsored by community businesses.

The Play Like Crazy Tournament begins at 10 a.m. Saturday with the championship match at 5 p.m. 

The HHS varsity take on the HHS alumni immediately following at 7 p.m.

Homer’s next, and final, home matches are against Grace Christian  at 4, 5 and 6:30 p.m. Oct. 30 and against Houston at noon, 1 and 2:30 p.m. Oct. 31.