Meadowdale stops Lake Stevens for its first volleyball win of season

Published 11:30 pm Thursday, September 17, 2009

LYNNWOOD — Meadowdale’s volleyball team set a simple goal in the third game of its match against Lake Stevens on Thursday night: Don’t give up long runs of points.

The Mavericks executed that goal and in the process earned their first win of the 2009 season. They defeated Lake Stevens 3-1 (26-24, 21-25, 25-23, 25-16).

Meadowdale (1-2) found out just how devastating long point runs can be in the match’s second game. It had rallied from a 24-22 deficit to win the first game 26-24 and was leading 17-16 in the second when Lake Stevens took charge. The Vikings (2-2 overall) ran off eight consecutive points for a 24-17 lead and eventually won 25-21.

The Mavericks didn’t let that happen again, never allowing more than three points in a row the rest of the match. Afterward, Meadowdale coach Machen Shrum praised her team’s mental toughness.

“We are really working on our mental toughness in practice,” Shrum said. “And I can see that is where it paid off.”

The Mavericks put the match away in the fourth game, scoring the first seven points and winning 25-16.

Even with the lead, Shrum wasn’t satisfied until the team had scored its final point.

“It was good, but we don’t ever feel safe,” Shrum said. “Nothing feels good till you get to 25 and you’re the winner.”

Senior captain Megan Nelson served to start off the fourth game. Nelson scored three aces in the Mavericks’ seven-point run.

“Whenever I go back to serve I just have to focus on getting it in,” Nelson said.

Nelson got them in against Lake Stevens, finishing with six aces and 39 assists for the match.

“She just does a fantastic job every game,” Shrum said of Nelson. “She is just a great, consistent leader.”

Lindsey Milner had 11 kills and 14 digs, Alexa Cannon had 12 kills, 4 blocks and 13 digs and Payton Shrum added nine kills and three blocks for Meadowdale.

Miranda Shultz had 13 kills and Marchelle Bostic had 20 assists for Lake Stevens.

The Mavericks, who won the 3A District 1 Championship last season, started this season with two losses. The players and coaches were excited and relieved to get the win.

“We’ve worked so hard,” Nelson said. “That feeling was amazing.”

“It was very exciting,” coach Shrum said. “I’m happy for them, It’s the first step for the rest of the season.”

Meadowdale peaked late in the season last year and may have sneaked up on some teams. This year though, they don’t want to be the surprise team.

“We don’t want to be the silent one, we want to be heard,” Shrum said.