Ladies hit three-match losing streak

The Lady Raiders lost both their volleyball matches last week to Manson and Tonasket. Both losses were in four games, 3-1.

The loss to Bridgeport Sept. 18 put the Lady Raiders on a three-match losing streak.

“It’s time for us to regroup and evaluate what is working and what isn’t and make some changes,” Head Coach Nate Piturachsatit said, still confident the team can pull out of the slump. “I’m excited to see how the girls overcome our current situation and move ahead to the level of volleyball they are capable of.”

In both matches the Lady Raiders continued to struggle on defense as service reception for the team dropped to only 23 percent against Tonasket. Part of the difficulty is their passing, which Piturachsatit noted the team had done well during the win streak. That will be a focus in the upcoming practices to get back to early-season form.

The Lady Raiders suffered another setback with setter Sean Garvin spraining her ankle against Manson. Kayley Duclos stepped in at setter against Tonasket.

Piturachsatit praised Duclos for her clutch play. “Kayley filled her role and did a great job leading the team as setter,” he said.

Kammi Rosenbaum served up seven aces against the Tigers and recorded five kills. And Jocelyn Moore recorded seven kills against against Tonasket.

This week the Lady Raiders face the number-one and -two teams in the Central Washington 2B North League. Last night in Gailord Nelson Gym the Lady Raiders hosted number-two Brewster. Tomorrow LR heads to Okanogan for a 7 p.m. matchup with the undefeated Bulldogs. Okanogan has won all league matches by a three-game sweep, including wins over Bridgeport, Manson, Tonasket, and Brewster.