LYNNWOOD — In front of a large crowd on Comcast’s “On Demand” game of the week, Everett (2-5 league, 5-5 overall) succumbed to Meadowdale in four sets by scores of 25-12, 25-18, 19-25 and 25-17 despite the return of senior captain Tierney Bagley.
“I was nervous as could be the first time she hit the floor hard,” said Everett head coach Heather Gabel of Bagley, who suffered a concussion and some minor fractures in her September car accident. “She made a great impact though and she said she felt great.”
Meadowdale, the top Wesco 3A team with a 7-1 league and 9-1 overall record, was led by Lindsey Milner, who had 18 kills and 13 digs as well as senior Payton Shrum, who contributed 48 assists. The Mavericks got out to a great start behind their star hitters Milner and fellow seniors Emily Dunham and Malorie Mahler, who chipped in a combined 15 kills. Those three hitters gave Everett problems at the net all match.
“They have some big hitters that it really doesn’t matter what blocks you put up there,” Gabel said. “They are very strategic, smart hitters.”
Despite the success of Meadowdale’s hitters, the Seagulls were able to battle back in sets two and three, eventually winning the third 25-19 and showing their coach some of the best volleyball she’s seen from them all season.
“I thought we came together, fought hard after that first set,” Gabel stated. “We played well. I’m very proud of the team … We’re definitely moving in the right direction after playing the best team in the league.”
Everett was led by Loretta Forrest who had 18 digs and 10 kills and sophomore Tenika Wentworth who provided 21 assists.
“The teams definitely knew what was going on,” Gabel confirmed of the circumstances with Bagley’s return and the Comcast broadcast. “We needed her back on the court, the crowd supported it. It was cool.”
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