The opening match of the Region V Volleyball Championships saw a thrilling display of resilience and determination by the Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé Crimson Bears, as they battled back from an early deficit to claim a decisive victory over the Ketchikan Kayhi Kings. With a mix of strategic play, powerful serving, and some well-timed blocks, JDHS showed why they are a formidable contender for the regional title.
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A Roller Coaster Start: Kayhi Takes Early Lead
The match, held in the George Houston Gymnasium in Juneau, began with the visiting Kayhi team seizing an early advantage. In the first set, Kayhi displayed impressive teamwork, led by junior Genevieve Halbert, who was a standout performer at the net. Alongside strong service games from juniors Chelsey Weber and Payton Hagan, Kayhi raced to a commanding 18-10 lead. Despite a late surge by JDHS, who managed to close the gap to 24-20 with key plays from juniors Lavinia Ma’ake and Neela Thomas, the Crimson Bears couldn’t recover in time, and Kayhi clinched the first set 25-20.
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The loss was a tough blow for JDHS, but as Coach Jody Levernier said, “It was nerve-wracking, a wave of emotions coming into this because I know how they can play and I also know how they can struggle.” JDHS, however, wasn’t about to let one set derail their championship aspirations.
The Turnaround: JDHS Storms Back
In the second set, the Crimson Bears found their rhythm and showcased the depth of their talent. A quick kill from sophomore June Troxel set the tone for a strong start, and then sophomore Leila Cooper took over with an incredible serving run. Cooper rattled off six consecutive service points, including two blocks by Thomas, two aces, and a kill by Ma’ake, putting JDHS firmly in control with a 7-0 lead. The intensity was palpable, and JDHS never looked back.
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“Our energy is what makes us strong,” said Ma’ake after the match. “It’s all about focusing on the basics, communicating, and trusting each other on the court.” As the set progressed, JDHS continued to assert dominance, limiting Kayhi’s offensive opportunities with excellent defense. With the Crimson Bears’ lead growing to 24-8, JDHS junior Cambry Lockhart closed out the set with two aces, capping off a stellar 25-9 win.
Dominance Continued: JDHS Rises in the Third Set
As the third set began, JDHS was fully in control, and their momentum was unstoppable. They quickly jumped to a 4-0 lead, powered by Cooper’s serving and a crucial block from senior Natalia Harris. The Crimson Bears’ defense was impeccable, and when Troxel served them to a commanding 10-1 lead, Kayhi struggled to find any rhythm. Kills from Ma’ake and Harris, coupled with aggressive blocks, overwhelmed the Kayhi defense.
Sophomore Braith Dihle, who had been eagerly awaiting the chance to contribute, took advantage of the opportunity, delivering several powerful kills. “I was really excited to play in this game,” Dihle reflected. “I felt confident and focused on swinging through the ball.” JDHS maintained its dominance, finishing the set 25-11 with Ma’ake clinching the final point with a thunderous kill.
Set Four: A Strong Finish to the Match
Entering the fourth and final set, JDHS was looking to close out the match with authority. After an early point exchange, JDHS went on a tear, with Ma’ake serving the team to an 18-4 advantage, thanks to two aces and multiple kills from Harris and Billings. The defense continued to frustrate Kayhi’s offense, with senior Evelyn Richards making a crucial block and leading the defensive charge.
Though Kayhi did manage to rally briefly, tying the set at 12-12, JDHS showed their resilience. With key points from Harris, Troxel, and Ma’ake, JDHS regained control. Harris, whose serve had been a weapon throughout the match, served JDHS to a 22-16 lead, and then Ma’ake sealed the win with another kill. The Crimson Bears clinched the match with a final score of 25-18, taking a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series.
Team Effort: A Balanced Attack
The Crimson Bears’ victory was the result of a collective team effort, with standout performances across the board. Ma’ake led the team with eight kills, while Dihle contributed seven and both Billings and Harris added five apiece. Thomas and Richards were formidable at the net, with Thomas recording a total of seven blocks and Richards adding three. The serve game was equally crucial, with Troxel leading the team with five aces, and Cooper and Harris contributing four each.
JDHS’s defensive efforts were equally impressive, with Lockhart recording a game-high 25 digs, followed by Troxel’s 13 and Ma’ake’s 11. The team’s excellent communication and trust in one another were evident, with each player stepping up when needed.
Looking Ahead: The Region V Championship on the Line
While JDHS took the first step toward the Region V title, Coach Levernier knows there is still work to be done. “We just wanted to start out strong so we could carry that momentum into the weekend,” she said. “If we keep our movement going and stay positive, we’ll be ready to finish this.” The Crimson Bears now have a chance to secure the Region V Championship with a victory in Saturday’s match. A win would give JDHS the title and a spot in the state tournament, but a loss would set up a deciding match later in the evening.
Ketchikan’s Coach Dennis Walsh, despite the defeat, remained optimistic about his team’s chances in the next match. “We’ve come a long way this season,” Walsh said. “We’re a young team, but we’ve got some fight in us. We just need to concentrate on the basics and defend better.”
The Final Verdict
With Saturday’s match on the horizon, JDHS and Ketchikan are set for a high-stakes showdown in the Region V Volleyball Championship. The Crimson Bears’ victory on Friday showcased their depth, resilience, and team spirit, but the Kayhi Kings are sure to come out fighting for another chance to claim the title. JDHS will need to maintain their energy and focus to secure the championship and punch their ticket to the state tournament.
As the teams prepare for the second match, one thing is certain: this thrilling series is far from over, and the battle for the Region V Championship will be one to remember.
