Sophomore Maddie Davis spikes the ball as Senior Miranda Grieser (left) and Freshman Ariana Horner (right) attempt to block the attack. – Mylissa Maclin / Sun Star
Aaron Walling / Reporter
There is a buzz about the Nanooks volleyball team who took to the court Saturday for an intra-squad matchup. The athletes split up into two teams, Blue and Gold, which went head to head, resulting in a 2-1 victory for Gold.
The Nanooks showed consistency as one of the skills they are developing in their effort to improve upon their record of 7-48 from the past two seasons under head coach Brian Scott. The Nanooks will be looking for Senior, Sam Harthun, to continue her impressive play going into her last season with Alaska.
The defense was highlighted by Junior Meagan Olsen, Redshirt Senior Samantha Hesterman, and Redshirt Junior Jordan Ferland all had double-digit digs for the Nanooks. “Both teams did great on defense,” Scott said.
“All three liberos came up with some really big digs and that was encouraging to see.” Scott said. “If we can play at a high level on defense, like we did tonight, we are going to frustrate a lot of teams.”
More than 200 people showed up for the exhibition game, which Coach Scott referred to as “encouraging,” after a pattern of low turnouts.
“If this is how we start the season, then we are going to see some great things happen this year in terms of fan support.” Scott said. “It was a great start to the season and a lot of the credit goes out to the communications and marketing department They are doing a great job at letting our community know that we are in action and that they should come out and support this team.”
Sounds like the Nanooks are looking to break onto the scene in the GNAC, with everyone trying to fire on all cylinders. The Nanooks are in action this upcoming weekend playing in the Alaska Nanook Classic Volleyball Tournament on Sept. 4-5.