Tiger volleyball starts fast with strong wins over Sunnyside, Edison

By The Leader Staff
Leah Rodrigues, in this photo from 2015, will return in a key role for the Tigers.
Leah Rodrigues, in this photo from 2015, will return in a key role for the Tigers.

So far things are looking good for Lemoore High School’s varsity volleyball team. The Tigers, hoping to forget last year’s mediocre season – during which they were 12-17 overall and 5-7 in the West Yosemite League – have turned in impressive performances after just two matches.

Kele Wheelman returns for the Tigers.
Kele Wheelman returns for the Tigers.

If the first two matches are any indication, this year could be promising for the 2-0 Tigers. On Tuesday, Lemoore’s Annemarie Schalde took it to the Edison Tigers with 14 kills, and Savannah Hill had 26 assists and four aces in a three-set sweep of visiting Edison High.

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The Tigers easily won the first set 25-8, cruised in the second 25-13, and then let up a bit, but still beat their opponent 25-22 in the third and final set.

Lemoore moved to 2-0 on the season with Tuesday night’s win.

The latest win comes on the heels of a convincing opener where Lemoore again won in three sets, 25-11, 25-20, and 25-7 over Sunnyside High School.

“I’m very excited about this upcoming season,” said Tiger Coach Rachel Rossiter. “We are very strong in several positions and many of my girls have worked hard to improve in the off season.”

Rossiter expects her talented team, which includes standouts Aiyana Moore, a junior, Jaleesa Poindexter, senior, and Arianna Sanders, a junior to lead the way this season. “I am looking for big things from these young ladies,” said Rossiter.

Another returning starter is Leah Rodrigues, the junior libero who earned first team WYL honors a year ago. “She will be working hard in the back row so our defense is strong,” said Rossiter.

Another rising asset is sophomore Shelby Saporetti, an outside player with tremendous potential.

“I’ve never coached a team with this much drive,” added the Tiger coach. “All 14 players believe in each other and themselves. They’re looking for a title and will do what it takes to get it.”

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