La Center volleyball continued its strong start to the season on Tuesday, Sept. 22, sweeping Seton Catholic 3-0 in a matchup between two of the Trico League’s top teams.
The two Trico League giants squared off in what was a consensus top-five Class 1A volleyball matchup with the win propelling La Center to the No. 1 team in 1A according to MaxPreps and WIAA RPI rankings.
The Wildcats won 25-20, 25-21 and 25-23, using a balanced offensive attack and steady play to close out the sweep.
Senior outside hitter Paige Sherry led La Center with 18 kills, eight digs and two aces. Senior outside hitter Whitney Martell added 17 kills, two blocks and five digs, while senior setter Quinn Erickson directed the Wildcats’ offense with 28 assists. Erickson also recorded eight digs, one kill and two aces.
Junior libero Aimee England anchored the defense with 13 digs and added two kills.
Despite the sweep, La Center coach Cymany O’Brien said the Wildcats came away with areas to improve, particularly after facing a strong Seton Catholic squad.
“It showed us some of the things that we need to refine,” O’Brien said. “Like, just that quick tempoed offense that we need to really be working on, and our defense, cleaning that up, and our serving.”
Serving was one of the biggest areas of concern for the Wildcats, as O’Brien said missed serves created opportunities for Seton Catholic.
“You've got to get your serves in, and we had some of those missed opportunities,” O’Brien said. “But I thought all in all, it was really good not letting up. And even when it got tight there in that third set, we just battled it back.”
The victory also highlighted the level of competition La Center is facing within the Trico League. O’Brien said Seton Catholic and King’s Way have helped create an environment where the Wildcats know they have to continue improving.
“I would say that this year is super exciting,” O’Brien said of the league competition.
O’Brien said this year’s team has developed a more physical and fast-paced identity.
“This year's team, I would say, is probably way more physical and fast,” she said. “They are just such a fast, dynamic group. They're a great group of athletes, super well-rounded.”
Sherry, Martell and Erickson have emerged as leaders for the Wildcats, while England has also provided leadership from the libero position.
O’Brien said the team’s chemistry has been an important part of its success, particularly as players have embraced different roles.
“And that's just set the stage to where we're at right now,” O’Brien said. “And they are so great with each other. Great teammates.”
That mentality is reflected on the team’s warmup shirts, which feature the phrase, “we play for each other.”
Sherry has embodied that approach while contributing on both sides of the net. O’Brien said Sherry’s versatility and willingness to take on whatever role is needed have made her an important part of the Wildcats.
“She is a phenomenal defender,” O’Brien said. “But I think the thing is, if you watch her when she's out there playing, she is the first to say, I got this, and lifting her teammates up.”
La Center’s emphasis on versatility extends to practice, where players work at multiple positions in preparation for whatever situations arise during a match.
“Honestly, I think one of the things that has made our program really dynamic is that we practice every position,” O’Brien said. “Because you never know. Somebody could be out sick. Somebody could roll their ankle. You just don't know what could happen. So we have to be really well-rounded.”
The sweep of Seton Catholic gave La Center another strong result while providing the Wildcats with areas to refine as the season moves forward.
“We have to work really hard at making sure girls are well-rounded and can do all the things,” O’Brien said.
The Wildcats followed up their Sept. 22 victory with a sweep over Fort Vancouver High School on Thursday, Sept. 24. After a pair of early-week games, the Wildcats next travel to Kalama High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, at 7 p.m.
