Senior-led Screaming Eagles sweep Asotin

REARDAN–The Screaming Eagles senior volleyball players came up big on Senior Night. Their spirited effort led to a sweep of the Asotin Panthers 25-16, 25-19, 25-18 on Oct. 18.

All match long, Coalie Whitman quarterbacked Reardan’s offense with accurate sets to Emma Flaa and Liz Bell who aggressively attacked the net. This trio, along with Liberty Anderson who overpowered Asotin with her serves, dominated the first set.

The second set was much the same but also featured Justine Flett, Anderson and Bell’s stellar defensive play. They kept the ball alive allowing the big hitters to score points.

The third set was a see-saw battle. The teams were tied 17-17, before Reardan reeled off the final points to secure the match.

Flaa led the Screaming Eagles with 16 kills. Bell chipped in six more. Whitman contributed 30 assists. Defensively, Flett and Bell recorded 22 and 15 digs, respectively.

Haylee Appleford led Asotin with 13 assists and Makayla Wheeler had 11 digs.

Reardan Coach Amber Whitman was pleased with her senior class’s effort.

“They all did a fantastic job,” Whitman said. “They have improved a great deal over the last few games, evidenced by their aggressiveness and fewer dropped balls.”

Whitman’s daughter Coalie was proud of her fellow seniors with whom she shared the victory.

“When we play this well together, we can be a tough team to beat,” she said. “Tonight, we played more as a unit and less as individuals, which resulted in fewer mistakes.”

Reflecting on her volleyball career, she feels fortunate to have been coached by her mother.

“It was a little rough at first, but the last two years have been special,” Coalie Whitman said. “ I’ve never played better volleyball.”

Anderson was also proud of her classmates.

“The seniors were the all-stars tonight,” she said. “As a group we’ve picked up our energy and are playing more mentally and physically tough.”

With the win, the Screaming Eagles improved to 5-4 in NE2B play. They play Riverside on Oct. 22 against Riverside. Asotin fell to 3-7 in league play.