Lady Raiders drop two

The Lady Raiders dropped two volleyball matches to tough state contenders last week.

In Tuesday’s match against the Pateros Nannies, the Lady Raiders came in strong and took the first match 25-20. The shocked Nannies ramped up their play and took the next three games to win the match.

On Saturday, the Lady Raiders hosted the Crusaders of Riverside Christian, who took the first game 25-16. LR fought back in the second game to close the scoring gap with improved serving. In the third game, the Lady Raiders gave it their all in a marathon game.

They were led by the serving of Danielle Laramie, who went 13 of 14 with two aces from the service line in the third game.

Laramie had struggled against Pateros, but against RC she shone.

“Against Riverside Christian she was on top form,” Head Coach Nathan Piturachsatit said. “She had some incredible digs and attacks. She also was a team leader, which I have been looking for in her all season.”

During the third game, middle hitter Tanecia Stanczak came out of the game with a bruised rib. Piturachsatit sent in Cheyenne Kelly-Marconi, who does not normally play that position. The coach noted that she “played in a position she isn’t familiar with, and she looked like she had been there all season.” Marconi will be playing in that spot again against Waterville Saturday as Stanczak heals up this week.

Piturachsatit said the team’s serve receive is getting better and defense is improving.

But the team needs improvement in “leadership and attitude,” Piturachsatit said. “I need the girls to learn how to focus on volleyball and what it takes to win.”

He continued, saying, “There needs to be at least two leaders on the team who are able to keep the entire team focused and positive, and I need everybody on the team to learn how to take responsibility for themselves as players. Once that happens, I believe we will see a much different team.”

The Lady Raiders return to action at home this Saturday against the Waterville Shockers at Gailord Nelson Gym. Matches start at 11 a.m.

LR vs Pateros LR vs Riverside Christian

LR Pateros LR RC

25 20 16 25

20 25 21 25

17 25 30 32

12 25