Douglas looks to move up in 5A volleyball

Northern Region 5A volleyball could be in for a bit of a shake-up this year, with some of the usual favorites already falling in their first league matchups of the season.

Reed bested Bishop Manogue on Tuesday in four sets, but Douglas High turned around and toppled the Raiders in five sets last Wednesday — 16-25, 25-17, 25-19, 20-25, 15-13.

Reno — the No. 1 seed in last season’s regional tournament — was defeated by Galena on Tuesday, potentially leaving the league without a solid favorite to kick off the 2024 season.

Coming off Wednesday’s five-set win, the Tigers are hoping to take advantage of a league that might have a bit more parity than in year’s past.

“I know as we move along, we are only going to get better,” Douglas head coach Suzi Townsell said. “We know that we are going to have to play defense this year in order to win. We know we are not the tallest team. I feel we can do really good because they want it bad enough.”

FEATURED ON THE FLOOR

Douglas’ defensive mentality will be centered around libero Sumer Williams, who returns for her senior season after being named a second team all-region player last season.

Williams missed portions of last fall due to injury, but her impact was felt immediately in the win over the Raiders.

“Fourth-year starter, who has only gotten better,” Townsell said. “She reads amazingly well.”

At middle blocker will be three juniors — Hailee Koontz and MaKinzy Machado, with Peyton Simpson also getting some time in the middle of the floor.

Whoever is not featured in the middle will likely be on the right side as an outside hitter for the Tigers.

Parker Estes exhibited a powerful serve in spots against the Raiders and her head coach feels she is also capable of building the team up when necessary.

“She’s got this amazing energy she brings to the floor,” said Townsell. “You can always use that hype person.

Juniors Emersyn Worthington and Lucy Keith will both be beneficial for the Tigers as defensive specialists.

Kaitlyn Molyneux saw some playing time Wednesday as an outside hitter, as well.

Ella Girdner and Priya Kc will be the two setters for Douglas this fall, which mixed-and-matched having one or both on the floor in the win over Reed.

“We wanted to mix it up a little bit. … Having two setters, the hitters only have two setters they have to work off of. It’s really helping out the hitters because they know what to expect,” Townsell said.

Sophomore Alexa Atkinson didn’t play Wednesday, but caught plenty of praise from her head coach.

“She’s a dynamo. She’s an amazing outside, but that girl is going to be a star. She is so consistent with every part of her game,” said Townsell. “It would’ve been great to have her tonight (Wednesday).”

AROUND THE NORTH

Townsell said it’s always tough to tell how the league will shape up in the first week of the season.

“We are working on mental toughness. That (Wednesday’s win) was huge compared to (Tuesday) night,” said Townsell.

Tuesday, the Tigers fell in four sets to McQueen. The Lancers are off to an 8-1 start this season.

And there’s always Douglas’ Northern rival Carson, which bested the Tigers in all three meetings last season.

Douglas and Carson’s first meeting is scheduled for Sept. 17 in Minden.

DOUGLAS ROSTER

Parker Estes, Sr.; Sumer Williams, Sr.; Emersyn Worthington, Jr.; Ella Girdner, Sr.; Alexa Atkinson, So.; Karly Newdigate, Sr.; Priya Kc, Jr.; Kaitlyn Molyneux, Jr.; Lucy Keith, Jr.; Payton Spohr, Jr.; Peyton Simpson, Jr.; Hailee Koontz, Jr.; MaKinzy Machado, Jr.; Kiyara Clark, Jr.

(Tiger junior Priya Kc sets a ball Wednesday night against Reed. Kc and Ella Girdner will be Douglas’ two setters this season. / Ron Harpin)