By Alan Sorensen
The Montana State University-Northern Skylights wrapped up their season over weekend with a predictable loss to Lewis-Clark and a strong win over Westminster.
"I am very pleased how we ended our season," Head Coach Lisa Handley said. "The scores of the L-C State game may not reflect the way we played. We played hard on every point; we were swinging at the ball every time it was set up."
Lewis-Clark swept Northern in the Friday night match, 15-7, 15-3, 15-4. In that match, Handley was pleased with her team's attack percentage of .207, but displeased by its .83 on serves.
"Mitsu Frazier hit .417 against a team that is usually top five in the nation every year," Handley said. "I only wish we had given her the ball more."
Handley said Andrea Knox also did a nice job hitting with .333 against Lewis-Clark and .286 against Westminster. "She finished the season on a strong note," Handley said.
Northern's attacks, kills and digs were pretty evenly spread among the player. As a team, Northern only had four service aces. Again, Jessica Gerenz with 15 and Gabrielle Chambliss with 12 led Northern in assists.
"We passed well both nights and were able to run our quick offense much better," Handley said. "Neither L-C or Westminster was able to stop our fake front and back quick set. "
Saturday night, the Skylights turned the tables and took the win from Westminster in straight games, 15-9, 15-8 and 11-11.
"Westminster was our last game of the season it was an exciting match with around 500 people to experience it," Handley said. "The crow was loud and energetic. We hit .455 as a team, which was our highest hitting percent of the year. We passed .96 again another best on the year.
"Everyone saw floor time; every member of the team did a great job."
Handley noted that Lyndi Hostetter and Jessica Gerenz played their final game together after nine years of playing on the same team.
"It was an emotional night," Handley said. "Senior Connie Becker and Heather Hammonds came out and played hard for their last match on the court. Heather led the team with 10 kills and hitting .529 her best effort of the season."
The Skylights ended their season with a 9-19 overall record and 3-9 in Frontier Conference action. Handley said her team was very young with a lot of raw talent.
"Thanks to all the fans throughout the season," Handley said. "You were great."
