Tough Arlee trounced by top ranked Eureka

It wasn't the best of opponents to be slated for Arlee High's annual Senior Volleyball Night. But top-ranked Eureka was on the agenda after the flowers and accolades were dished out and after the parents of Arlee's seniors strolled with their daughters across the gym floor.

When the volleyball action got underway, Eureka socked away a three-game victory. But it didn't come without some resistance from a pesky Arlee team that at times proved it could compete with the state's elite.

iMy girls did well and I was proud of them,i Arlee coach Jana Perry said. iWe dug the ball well, but Eureka just has a solid all-around tough team.i

Eureka rode a powerful outside hitting attack to the 25-17, 25-15, 25-18 District 8-B win. It was the second time this season that Eureka defeated the Scarlets in three games.

Eureka improved to 10-0 in district play and 14-0 overall, while Arlee, which also suffered a tough five-game loss the previous night at Plains, dipped to 4-6 in district action.

The tall and hard-hitting Eureka team continually looked for outside hitter Amy Roberts when it needed a spark. Roberts responded by slamming a match-best 12 kills. In all, Eureka hammered 31 kills in the three-game victory.

iEureka has some size and some really good hitters,i Perry noted. iBut I felt we got some strong back row play from Rayme Bringuel and all our girls hit strong. We didn't weaken or become intimidated by Eureka.

iMy girls concentrated hard on digging and we were not scared of Eureka's hitting.i

The Scarlets proved competitive the first game. They rattled off a string of several straight points mid-way through to keep Eureka on its toes. Despite the loss, Arlee got a good hitting night from Sarah Clairmont, who pounded out a team-best five kills. Annie Rice also played strong in the front row with two solo blocks.

The Scarlets' tenacious back row effort was spearheaded by Bringuel and Amanda Hendren, who both collected 14 of their team's 60 digs. Bringuel also served up four aces for the Scarlets.

On Friday night, Arlee suffered a tight five-game loss to Plains, which prevailed 24-26, 25-19, 25-15, 24-26, 15-9. The grueling match came down to silly mistakes by Arlee in the decisive fifth game, Perry said.

iWe missed some serves which was pretty critical,i she noted. iYou can't do that in a fifth game and expect to win.i

Clairmont, Bringuel and Jonell Weider each blasted six kills for the Scarlets, while Hendren amassed an impressive 37 digs in the back row. Rice dished up 14 assists and Sarah Nelson had two ace serves for Arlee.