LACEY — Experience and tactics helped Jackson rally after a close second-set loss to finish strong, beat Emerald Ridge 3-1 and earn its place in the semifinals of the 4A state volleyball tournament.
Jackson rested Haley MacDonald, their starting setter, for the Gig Harbor game, which Jackson won in straight sets. MacDonald has an injured ankle and the Timberwolves wanted her as strong as possible for the quarterfinal match, according to Jackson head coach Ashley Allen.
It seemed to work as Jackson came out strong against the Jaguars. Then a lead in the second set evporated and the Timberwolves found themselves tied after two.
“We kind of had a moment of not so good volleyball,” said Allen.
Only a moment, though.
“But then we came back and dominated the rest of the match,” Allen continued.
It didn’t take any major adjustments either.
“Our girls are at the age, they are mostly seniors, they have enough experience they can kind of (make adjustments) on their own. … ‘It happened, it’s over, we are going to focus on the next point.’ That comes from the maturity of the girls,” said Allen.
The one place where lack of experience might have been a problem in the first match wasn’t.
Because she wanted to rest MacDonald, Allen sent out Victoria Funke as her setter for the first-round match. “She didn’t have a lot of experience setting. … She ran the match really well, she spread the offense really good, and she keyed in on some good players at the end,” said Allen. “We were really happy, she did exactly what we needed from her.”
Jackson 3, Gig Harbor 0
At Saint Martin’s University
Gig Harbor191422—0
Jackson252525—3
Highlights—Jackson: Not reported. Records—Jackson 16-0.
Jackson 3, Emerald Ridge 1
At Saint Martin’s University
Emerald Ridge17261315—1
Jackson25242525—3
Highlights—Jackson: Team stats 51 digs, 7 blocks 11 aces 45 kills. Records—Jackson 16-0 overall.
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