Kenai Central’s Emma Beck and Erin Koziczkowski put up a block on Sitka on Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2021, at Kenai Central High School in Kenai, Alaska. (Photo by Jeff Helminiak/Peninsula Clarion)

Kenai Central’s Emma Beck and Erin Koziczkowski put up a block on Sitka on Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2021, at Kenai Central High School in Kenai, Alaska. (Photo by Jeff Helminiak/Peninsula Clarion)

Kenai volleyball sweeps Sitka

The Kenai Central volleyball team lost just one set in a 2020 season truncated by the pandemic before losing five seniors, including three starters.

The loss of all that experience hasn’t hurt the Kardinals yet as they won all their games at the season-opening jamboree Saturday in Homer, then swept visiting Sitka on Wednesday 25-22, 25-15 and 25-16 in nonconference action.

“When you’re practicing against that caliber of a team, that’s hugely beneficial to everybody that is coming to step in,” Kenai Central coach Tracie Beck said of her team’s quick start.

The Kardinals defeated Sitka at state two years ago. Beck said four players from that Sitka team were on the floor Wednesday, yet the Kardinals were still able to roll.

Kenai has some experienced players itself. Erin Koziczkowski, Andie Galloway, Emma Beck and Valerie Villegas all got significant varsity experience last season.

Galloway, Koziczkowski and Beck each had six kills, while Villegas added 12 digs. Galloway and Koziczkowski had five aces, while Beck had three aces. Beck added two stuff blocks, while Jorgi Phillips had 18 assists.

Beck was happy with the way that experience mixed with newcomers against Sitka.

“They’re a tough group of hitters,” Beck said of the Wolves. “They’re very tall and very consistent. They can put the ball in the corner, or where they want to put the ball.”

Kenai’s players were not the only ones who showed up Wednesday.

“We’ve always had an amazing crowd, except for last year,” Beck said. “It’s super fun to have the crowd back and the kids involved. It just makes for such a fun atmosphere.

“They definitely showed up tonight. It was loud.”

For the most part, Kenai was in control of each game. Every time Sitka threatened, Kenai had an answer.

“They really seem to thrive and play their best when that pressure is on,” Beck said of her team. “That’s hard, for kids to step up into that role.”

Kenai hosts Bethel in another nonconference match tonight at 7 p.m.

Kenai Central’s Valerie Villegas digs up a ball against Sitka on Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2021, at Kenai Central High School in Kenai, Alaska. (Photo by Jeff Helminiak/Peninsula Clarion)

Kenai Central’s Valerie Villegas digs up a ball against Sitka on Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2021, at Kenai Central High School in Kenai, Alaska. (Photo by Jeff Helminiak/Peninsula Clarion)

More in Sports

tease
Oilers, Twins open seasons this week

The American Legion Twins and Peninsula Oilers open their 2023 seasons this… Continue reading

The Kenai River Brown Bears mob Ryan Finch after he scored the game-winning goal in overtime against the Janesville (Wisconsin) Jets on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at the Soldotna Regional Sports Complex in Soldotna, Alaska. (Photo by Jeff Helminiak/Peninsula Clarion)
Browns Bears announce commitments for Holt, Finch

The Kenai River Brown Bears recently announced college commitments for Ryan Finch… Continue reading

Morgan Aldridge leads riders down a hill at the start of Week 3 of the Soldotna Cycle Series on Thursday, July 18, 2019, at Tsalteshi Trails. (Photo by Jeff Helminiak/Peninsula Clarion)
Sterling’s Aldridge wins Eagle River Duathlon

Sterling’s Morgan Aldridge won the women’s overall at the Eagle River Duathlon… Continue reading

Soldotna's Trenton Ohnemus delivers to Kenai Central in the Division II state championship game Saturday, June 4, 2023, at Wasilla High School in Wasilla, Alaska. (Photo by Jeff Helminiak/Peninsula Clarion)
SoHi tops Kenai to repeat as Division II state baseball champs

The Soldotna baseball team retained the Division II state title with a… Continue reading

tease
Kenai, Soldotna baseball to face off for state title

The Kenai Central and Soldotna baseball teams will play for the Division… Continue reading

tease
Kenai Central ends run at state softball tournament

The Kenai Central softball team ended its season with two losses Friday… Continue reading

Jacoby shines on Mare Nostrum Tour

Lydia Jacoby, a 2022 graduate of Seward High School, recently picked up… Continue reading

Soldotna's Trenton Ohnemus fires a pitch against the Palmer Moose during the Division II state quarterfinal game Thursday, June 1, 2023, at Wasilla High School. (Jeremiah Bartz/Frontiersman)
Kenai, SoHi baseball move to state semifinals

The Kenai Central and Soldotna baseball teams won Thursday to advance to… Continue reading

tease
State softball: Kenai goes 0-2 in round robin

The Kenai Central softball team went 0-2 in round-robin play Thursday at… Continue reading

Most Read