Wolfpack pounds Arlington

MILL CREEK — The Jackson volleyball team soundly defeated Arlington by using a recipe of chemistry and consistency Tuesday night at Jackson High School.

“It was a huge confidence booster for our kids,” Wolfpack coach Amy Riesinger said. “We came off a bad game from Snohomish, so this is just what they needed to get their confidence back, and they played very well tonight.”

The Timberwolves (3-2 overall) upended the Eagles 25-14, 25-16, and 25-8 due to the team’s consistent serving, solid ball control and the players’ ability to formulate plays and run an offense well with two setters in the rotation.

“We passed really well tonight,” Riesinger said. “We did a great job of keeping the ball in play. We had some great saves tonight, which was fun to watch.”

With a six-two offense running, (two setters) the Wolfpack seemed to find a comfort zone which allowed for a more balanced style of play.

“We were aggressive with our hits and we were consistent and got our serves in,” setter Chelsey Crim said. “When you get a pass and can run plays, that’s what makes volleyball so much fun.”

Along with Crim, setter Jessica Ramback helped to make plays happen.

“My two setters are the most athletic kids on the team, so they play really well together,” Riesinger said. “That’s why I’m keeping ‘em both setting. They complement each other very well.”

While Crim was busy compiling 12 assists, Ramback was in the back row compiling nine digs.

Also playing well for Jackson was captain Ashley Allen, who had six kills, nine digs and four blocks as middle. As the other middle in the rotation, Brittany Shaw had six kills.

The Timberwolves served tough all game with the help of libero Kacey Kahawaii, who collected four aces and Ramback, who served 19 times for three aces.

“We did a great job of keeping our serves in,” Riesinger said. “The girls have been practicing really hard on getting their serves where they want them to go.”

But Riesinger said there is still room for improvement.

“We need to get more control of what we’re doing with free-balls, the easy balls that come over,” she said. “We’re having a hard time finishing ‘em out for some reason.”

Riesinger also said talk on the court needed to pickup.

“Their communication was better, but it can be better than it was, so we definitely have some room to work,” she said.

To compensate, Jackson will be increasing the intensity at practice.

“We’re stepping it up in practice right now, working harder, and running everywhere,” Allen said.

However, something this group doesn’t need help with is having fun playing volleyball.

“This is a great group of girls,” Riesinger said. “There’s only nine of them, and I think for the first time in my life, they all like each other, and they love volleyball, so they’re here every day, ready to go. This is by far the most cohesive group I’ve ever had.”