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Trappers Roll Past No. 10 WWCC In Four Games
After some early-season struggles, the Northwest College volleyball team may have showcased its true full potential on Friday night as they traveled to Rock Springs to knock off No. 10 Western Wyoming 25-13, 18-25, 26-24, 28-26 in volleyball action.
“This was a team effort by no stretch of the imagination,” Trapper head coach Shaun Pohlman said of the victory over last season’s national runner-up. “This took every one of our kids buying in and being involved in our process. The gym down there was so loud. It was a thriller. It was definitely a team effort.”
Spearheading that effort was outside hitter Ana Jakovljevic. The 6-0 freshman from Valjevo, Serbia, finished with a team-high 22 kills on 33 attempts. Jakovljevic had just three attacking errors on the night, finishing with a stellar .576 hitting percentage.
Combined with her 24-kill performance against Central Wyoming three nights earlier, Jakovljevic’s name has been entered for consideration for national player of the week honors in the NJCAA.
Felicity Zegarelli added eight kills, but was limited in her effectiveness due to the lingering effects of a freak injury suffered earlier in the week. Zegarelli’s eardrum popped during the fourth game of the Trappers’ loss to Central Wyoming last Tuesday and her hearing remained affected during the contest at Western.
“She did what she was able to and you could tell she was trying and giving it her all,” Pohlman said of the freshman’s efforts. “But there were times she just wasn’t able to hear the set calls or what others were saying. She did her best, but you could tell there were times she wasn’t sure.”
Friday’s contest also featured the return of sophomore libero Katie Burnett, who had been sidelined since pulling a muscle during warm-ups at the Trappers’ season-opening tournament in Idaho. After missing eight games, Burnett immediately made her presence known by ripping six ace serves in the contest and also leading the Trappers in digs.
Becky Downs had one solo block and four block assists. Jakovljevic added three solo blocks. Assists were split almost down the middle between the Trappers’ two setters. Triniti Taylor had 16 assists for Northwest while Mikaela Heble added 15.
“Receiving-wise, we really stepped up our attitude and intensity,” said Pohlman. “In the fourth game, we were down 24-22 and were able to fight off Western’s attempts at game point and fought through to win 28-26 against a great volleyball team. This is a good quality win for us against a high quality team.”
With the win, the Trappers improved to 5-6 overall this season and 1-1 in Region IX North play. After dropping their first five games to begin 2012, the Trappers have now reeled off a slate of five wins in their last six volleyball contests. The team will look to add to that impressive tally tonight (Tuesday) when they host Casper College.
“Casper is a very energetic team,” said Pohlman. “They look to come out and just outhustle you on the floor, so we’ll have to match their intensity.”
First serve for that contest will be at 7 p.m. inside Hank Cabre Gym at Northwest College.