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Vikings turn up the heat
Updated: August 31, 2011 10:08PM
CHESTERTON — Nearly midway through the first game, Chesterton had fought their its to a 15-13 lead over Valparaiso.
Then, as Valparaiso coach Katie Lenard put it, “It all came together then.”
The Vikings scored the next nine points to help capture the first game, dominated the second game 25-10 and rode that momentum to a 3-0 sweep of Chesterton (2-3, 0-2 DAC).
“I know our team was really determined to do well today,” said Valparaiso junior Tarrah Lasky, who had a match-high 33 assists. “Chesterton always comes out strong, especially when they play at home. But we adjusted to that and took advantage of some open shots.”
Chesterton coach TR Harlan was disappointed in the effort of some of his upperclassmen, particularly once Valparaiso (9-1, 2-0 DAC) began to rally.
“If I had the money to do it, I’d give everyone in the crowd their money back,” he said. “From the middle of Game 1 through the end of Game 2, it was an absolute embarrassment. Don’t take anything away from Valpo, they are one of the best teams I’ve ever seen in this area. But the fact that our kids quit — some of our returning kids — that really bothers me. Either we’re going to be better or we’re going to be a lot younger.”
There were some bright spots for the Trojans — particularly the play of middle hitters Shelby Ruffner (six kills) and Emily Nix (seven kills).
“That’s the best I’ve ever seen them play in the middle,” said Harlan.
He also praised junior Ariane Mahaffey, who sparked a Chesterton rally with consecutive aces in the third game.
“She brought us a lot of energy. Those are the type of kids that we’re looking for,” he said.
But this match belonged to the Vikings, who overcame a determined Chesterton squad in the third game to finish the contest.
“That’s part of what we’ve been working on; trying to close out matches as soon as possible,” said Lenard.
Lasky and senior Brigid Scannell (11 kills, 11 digs) were two of the players Lenard singled out for their performances after the game.
“Tarrah did a great job of moving the ball around and Brigid was just amazing for us.”
Senior Kate Workman added 18 digs to her school career record, while Madison Olsen chipped in with eight kills.
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