Fallon spikers get back-to-back wins

A pair of much-needed wins were earned by the Fallon volleyball team this week.

After suffering a humbling loss at Truckee on Monday, the Lady Wave rallied to pound out a pair of Northern Division I-A victories over Fernley and Sparks on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively.

“These last two games were really necessary,” Fallon coach Patty Daum said. “For the first time in the last three weeks, I have all but two players back. It has been touch and go with a lot of injuries.”

Fallon drilled Sparks 25-13, 25-8, 25-23, and swept Fernley 25-17, 25-18, 25-20.

Evan Matheson led the Lady Wave with eight kills, while Whitney Skabelund, Megan McCormick and Miranda Ford each with four. Ford added a pair of aces, while McCormick had a team-high two blocks.

“Ford had a really great game,” Daum said.

Fallon was in a must-win situation to keep its playoff hopes alive. The Lady Wave are currently tied with Dayton in the Northern DI-A at 3-4, two games behind South Tahoe (4-2) in the loss column and three behind Truckee and Lowry (5-1).

Fallon’s struggles, though, are tied to injuries and ineligibilities. Four starters were out and injured in the losses to Lowry and Dayton last week.

Fallon, though, has regained its health and most of its starters, who will be needed for the stretch run.

The Lady Wave returns to the court on Tuesday at South Tahoe then travels to Spring Creek and Elko several days later.

“Next week are big games,” Daum added. “I have to be able to take those practices and put them into game situations. (And) have the consistency of a full roster. The first half of the season has been tough to deal with because of injuries.”

Daum said the service game must improve, which has hindered the team throughout the season. Serves out of bounds or into the net kill momentum and give the opposition free points.

In addition, Daum said finishing at the net is key if her club is to make a run for the postseason.

“We have to serve with a purpose more efficiently,” Daum said. “My back row has been on fire with passing … but we can’t finish big plays. We’ve got to be able to take those great passes and great sets and finish those plays.”

Against Fernley, the Lady Wave dominated play behind a stingy defense and timely hitting. Matheson, Skabelund, Ford and McCormick applied the pressure, while Paige Thorn, Kyla Kincaid and Kristyn Arvizo were solid defensively.

Matheson and Ford led Fallon with five kills, while Skabelund and McCormick each had four. Matheson also led the Lady Wave with a trio of aces and four total blocks.

Taylor Amezquita and Zoey Swisher split the setting duties and recorded 12 and 11 assists, respectively.

On Monday, Fallon visited Truckee in make-up match from Sept. 16 when the tilt was postponed due to smoke from the King Fire. The Wolverines scored a 25-20, 25-15, 25-23 victory.

McCormick led Fallon with six kills and Matheson had four and the duo combined for five total blocks.