Cascade tops Jackson in 5 sets to stay unbeaten
Published 10:15 pm Tuesday, September 23, 2014
EVERETT — Cascade’s first-year head volleyball coach Maddie Benson put in a whole new offensive system this season. If the results after three games are any indication, the changes are working.
The Bruins improved to 3-0 this season with a 3-2 win over Jackson on Tuesday. Set scores were 25-23, 12-25, 25-16, 21-25 and 15-13.
“Them being able to adapt (to the offensive changes) shows me how well they can adapt in any game situation,” Benson said.
The Bruins have victories over Mariner, Lake Stevens and now Jackson to start the season. Jackson and Lake Stevens both took the Bruins to five sets.
“Both (Lake Stevens) and Jackson, they made us fight for it,” Benson said. “As a coach, those are the games that I like.”
Cascade’s volleyball program has struggled in recent years, but the Bruins have started strong this year. Their three victories have already matched their win from the entire 2013 season.
The Bruins fast start also has them thinking about the postseason.
“Their goal right now, as I’m sure every team’s is, is to be one of those top teams that makes it do districts,” Benson said.
The Bruins have just three returning starters from last season, making their quick turnaround all the more impressive. One of their new starters is junior Vy Nguyen, who is taking full advantage of her first year as the team’s full-time setter.
“She’s extremely coachable,” Benson said. “That’s probably been the best thing about her. She’s also very smart. She sees the court so well and she knows when she needs to be aggressive herself at the net and when she needs to set up her teammates.”
At Cascade H.S.
Jackson 23 25 16 25 13 — 2
Cascade 25 12 25 21 15 — 3
Highlights—Jackson: Dani Skibiel 11 kills; Emma Tran 13 kills; Madison Phan 23 assists; Karlee Robison 31 digs. Cascade: Vy Nguyen 23 assists; Kyleigh Johnson 17 digs; Michelle Dmitruk seven kills; Olivia Chatters seven kills. Records—Jackson 0-3 league, 0-3 overall. Cascade 3-0, 3-0.
