La Conner High netters breeze past Lady Hurricanes

When facing Mount Vernon Christian, it’s usually a case of La Conner High’s volleyball team having to weather the storm.

But not this time around.

La Conner swept the Lady Hurricanes in a blowout last Tuesday, then crushed Concrete in similar fashion two nights later to remain undefeated in conference play.

The Lady Braves routed Mount Vernon Christian 25-4, 25-8, 25-8 behind a strong service game.

Our serving was tough for them to handle,” La Conner head coach Suzanne Marble said of the Lady Hurricanes afterward. “Mount Vernon Christian really couldn’t get anything going because of it.”

The victors recorded 19 service aces, eight by Aubrey Swigert, who was 18 of 19 from behind the stripe.

It was a similar story at Concrete, where La Conner prevailed 25-8, 25-10, 25-8.

Swigert delivered a half dozen aces against the Lady Lions. Lindsay Lowry and Ashley Watkins chipped in four aces apiece, while freshman Joanie Benson added another three.

For Benson, it was part of what statistically was a flawless contest. She was 18 of 18 serving, three for three on serve receive, five of five digging, and six for six hitting with three kills.

“Joanie played an all-around great match for us,” said Marble. “I guess you could say she played a perfect match. It was great to see her play with confidence.”

That confidence was infectious.

Her sister, Justine, ignited a potent La Conner attack with 26 assists. Lowry and Swigert were prime beneficiaries, dialing up 10 kills each. Watkins contributed four more.

Defensively, Sage Burgmeier extended rallies with 11 digs.

Against Mount Vernon Christian, Justine Benson assisted 12 times. Her passing set up Matty Lagerwey on seven kills and Lowry for five.

Marble praised her entire roster for the twin 3-0 triumphs. Biruktawit Hasenbalg earned special kudos.

“She was a real spark off the bench for us in the Mount Vernon Christian match,” Marble said of Hasenbalg. “She ended up with five aces.”

Marble used the week to expand roles and develop depth as La Conner prepped for Tuesday’s late match at 4A Woodinville and tomorrow’s, Thursday’s, 4:30 p.m. home date with Friday Harbor.

“It was a great opportunity,” she said, “to try a few new things.”

All of which added up to some very familiar results for the Lady Braves, who traveled to Woodinville sporting a 6-0 ledger in match play.