League leading Lady Braves continue winning ways

Youth will be served.

But a senior’s serves led the way for the La Conner High volleyball team last week.

Madison Wilson delivered 36-of-39 service attempts, recording 16 aces, to help lead the Lady Braves to straight-sets victories over conference foes Concrete and Mount Vernon Christian.

La Conner defeated the Lady Lions 25-14, 25-11, 25-7.

In that match Wilson went 17-of-18 from the stripe with seven aces. Her pinpoint serves proved infectious as teammate Joanie Benson was 20-of-21 at the line, 12 of which were aces.

Benson also notched seven kills.

Her twin sister, Justine, added 16 assists and 11 digs for the victors. Matty Lagerwey, the reigning State Player of the Week, chipped in 11 kills and 10 digs.

Sage Burgmeier contributed 10 digs and three kills.

“We had 29 aces on the night as a team,” said La Conner head coach Suzanne Marble, whose team had struggled in that area early in the campaign.

Against Concrete, superb serving helped overcome an otherwise sluggish start.

“It was a slower start for us,” conceded Marble, “but we got in a rhythm and were able to come together fine. We’ve made a few adjustments in the lineup and we’re excited about where they may lead.”

In the short term those changes led to a convincing 3-0 win over Mount Vernon Christian.

Again, service was key.

“We came out serving aggressively and this helped to improve our performance,” Marble said.

La Conner served at a 92 per cent clip and totaled 15 aces.

The final line score was 25-9, 25-10, 25-9 for La Conner.

“There are still a few little adjustments to be made,” Marble said, “but it was a very solid night for us.”

Wilson went 19-of-21 serving with nine aces and four kills.

Justine and Joanie Benson combined to go 31-of-31 in service deliveries. Justine was 14-of-14, while Joanie went 17-of-17.

Justine Benson filled the stat sheet with two aces, 10 digs, and 28 assists.

“She did a beautiful job of running the offense,” Marble said.

Joanie Benson added an ace and eight kills.

Lagerwey registered a team-best 11 kills.

“It was definitely a strong night for us on offense,” Marble said afterward.

La Conner, which improved to 7-0 in league and 10-1 overall, hosted NW2B rival Darrington Tuesday night. The Lady Braves visit Orcas Island tomorrow (Thursday) at 3:05 p.m.

La Conner returns to Landy James Gym Oct. 24 for its regular season finale opposite Friday Harbor. The match with the Lady Wolverines will be La Conner’s annual Dig Pink, Youth Night and Senior Night all rolled into one. The fun starts at 5 p.m.