Prescott Tigers win first match against Liberty Christian, fall short against Touchet

PRESCOTT-Prescott Tigers Volleyball is off to a strong start for the 2020-21 season. High school sports have been stalled since the initial school shutdown triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. Attempts to plan for school sports to return were held back until counties reached Phase 2 in the Roadmap to Recovery. Some volleyball, football, and cross-country teams have been able to hold practices and games in Walla Walla County finally got the go-ahead in mid-February after the Southcentral Region moved to Phase 2. The Tigers had their first match on February 24 against Liberty Christian, winning in straight sets (25-17, 25-15, and 27-25). Coach Bob Young shared that Prescott had 12 service aces, led by senior Adelita Benito, defensive specialist, with five. Senior Jena Rowlette, middle blocker, brought five blocks and two kills, attacks that the opposition cannot return; Junior Angeles, middle blocker, had four kills and three blocks; senior Frida Gonzalez came in with four kills. "That was Tiger volleyball. We won the serve, serve-receive, and scramble points. Our best effort yet. I'm very proud of the girls. They displayed a high level of confidence and hustle throughout the match. In the second set, we limited them to only short spurts," Young shared. "I really like how we rallied in the third set, coming from behind and finishing strong in a tight fight. Credit our Senior DS, Adelita Benito, for pulling us into the lead with five straight aces," said Young. The Tigers fell short against their second opponent, Touchet High School, on February 27. Couch Young said that the team opened with a strong lead before they succumbed to a long run of serves by the Indians without notching a side out where the receiving team earns the right to serve. Prescott rallied from two down to win the third set but could not get the tie in the fourth set. Junior Angeles Ayala and senior Jena Rowlette each had six kills and three blocks. Rowlette excelled against Touchet, ending the team's winning set with ten straight service points. Sophomore Naomi Virgen gave the Tigers a needed spark in the third set, adding three digs and a kill to the playbook. "Hats off to Touchet. They were down early but came roaring back to take that first set. We just couldn't manage to get a side out to turn the tide. In retrospect, that set turned the day. We struggled in the second set to create any momentum, "Young said. "I'm glad the girls kept competing to take the third set and fight throughout the fourth. I was hoping we could push it to five and see what would happen." Tigers Volleyball plays in Prescott, against Desales, on Tuesday, March 2nd. Games are being live-streamed via the Prescott School District Facebook page.