Sept 8, 2022
By: Jeff Stoker
Connell, WA – The Connell High School Lady Eagles volleyball team opened the 2022 season with a showdown at home against Othello. Connell was looking to improve upon last season when they lost in the state tournament to Castle Rock and Charles Wright. Returning for the Lady Eagles are All-League 1st honorees Chloe Niel as well as second team honorees Kennedy Hailey, McKenzie Clyde, and Edie Davis.
The Lady Eagles earned the victory on Saturday by beating the Lady Huskies 3 sets to 1. The Lady Eagles had to fight hard in each of the sets in order to pull off the victory on their home court. Connell won the first two sets by scores of 25-23 and 25-21 respectively. Othello won the third set, 25-22. The fourth set was close throughout but the Lady Eagles outscored Othello 11-5 to close out the set and win 26-24.
Connell displayed a very solid, rounded team effort. Kennedy Hailey (Sophomore) had 4 service aces, 10 kills, and 9 assists. Chloe Niel (Senior) had 10 kills, 4 blocks, and 2 service aces. Edie Davis (Junior) had 100% serving and 19 assists. McKenzie Clyde (Junior) had 6 kills and 20 digs. Emilee Van Buren (Junior) also had 100% serving on the day and chipped in 14 digs. Hailey Stark (Senior) added 4 kills and Lily Steele (Junior) added 7 digs. Lacey Hudlow (Senior), Bella Holt (Junior), Adrianna Powers (Senior), Melody Stanaway (Senior), Brandy Ferguson (Junior), and Haley VanHollebeke (Sophomore) added support with their rotational play at the net and in the back row. The Lady Eagles volleyball team travels to Wapato on Tuesday, September 6 before hosting Toppenish on Thursday, September 8. Come out and support your Lady Eagles as they push for another trip to the state tournament.