Palmer High School Volleyball

2011-11-11T08:40:00.000-08:00

Palmer plays South tonight at 7:30, come watch! :)

AVA Tryouts 2011

2011-11-10T11:34:00.000-08:00

Tryout dates for AVA:

-Tues 15 Nov 6-8th gr 6-730pm, C team exp 730-9pm Wasilla AT&T sports Ctr
-Thur 17 Nov JV/Var exp 7-9pm @ Palmer Jr Middle

Other dates if you cant make the first 2:

-Sun 6 Nov C team experience @ Eagle River HS 230-5pm COMPLETED
-Sun 13 Nov JV/Var exp @ Eagle River HS 230-5pm also HS makeup
-Sat 19 Nov Elem & 6th-8th gr @ Mirror Lake Middle 230-5pm

Tryout fee is $10

Sports : Palmer senior named NLC MVP - Frontiersman

2011-11-08T10:20:00.000-08:00

Sports : Palmer senior named NLC MVP - Frontiersman
Palmer senior named NLC MVP
By JEREMIAH BARTZ
Frontiersman
Published on Monday, November 7, 2011 8:05 PM AKST

PALMER — Palmer head coach Steve Reynolds admits he sometimes overlooks Palmer senior setter Jenna Arlow.

It’s nothing against Arlow, a three-year varsity player and two-year starter. Reynolds simply knows he doesn’t have to worry about the senior, who was named the Northern Lights Conference North Division Player of the Year Saturday night.

“As a coach you tend to focus on the glaring weaknesses, or the players who need the most help,” Reynolds said. “Sometimes we don’t spend enough time on the ones who are doing a nice job.”

Arlow is a primary reason why the Moose have been the top team in the NLC for the last three years. Saturday, she helped lead Palmer to its third straight NLC title.

Arlow is a leader, and among the top setters Reynolds has coached, he said.

“She’s just the quiet, confident type,” Reynolds said. “She has wonderful hands. She’s a great setter, and has been since she was in junior high.”

Reynolds said Arlow’s serve is also a strength.

“She’s had a tough serve for years. She gives people troubles,” Reynolds said. “One thing that goes unnoticed a lot is if you serve tough, even if you’re not getting aces, you’re keeping the other team back on their heels. That’s huge.”

Arlow is one of a pair of Valley players and five Mat-Su athletes to be named first-team All-Northern Lights Conference.

Palmer senior Morgan Morfe, Colony junior Mary Klapperich and Wasilla seniors Haley Taylor and Jolee Fife were also named on the first team.

Wasilla senior Kayla Bell, Colony junior Allison Leigh and Palmer junior Lily Cullers were also named to the second team.

Reynolds was named the NLC Coach of the Year for the third time in his 12 years as the Moose mentor.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.

All-Northern Lights Conference

North Division Player of Year:

Jenna Arlow, Palmer

South Division Player of Year:

Amanda McDowell, Skyview

Coach of the Year:

Steve Reynolds, Palmer.

First-team All-NLC:

Carole Lampl, Kodiak; Jenna Arlow, Palmer; Haley Taylor, Wasilla; Amanda McDowell, Skyview; Kallee Skjold, Soldotna; Jolee Fife, Wasilla; Kylee Woodford, Soldotna; Mary Klapperich, Colony; Hannah Wandersee, Kodiak; Morgan Morfe, Palmer.

Second-team All-NLC:

Marlee Cunningham, Skyview; Lauren Cashman, Homer; Kayla Bell, Wasilla; Britanie Whipple, Skyview; Brooke DeVaney, Homer; Mary Hauptman, Skyview; Heidi Westernman, Soldotna; Allison Leigh, Colony; Monya Wandersee, Kodiak; Lily Cullers, Palmer.

Sports : Inspired Moose rally to beat rival to move into final - Frontiersman

2011-11-06T11:06:00.000-08:00

Sports : Inspired Moose rally to beat rival to move into final - Frontiersman

Inspired Moose rally to beat rival to move into final
By JEREMIAH BARTZ
Frontiersman
Published on Sunday, November 6, 2011 12:15 AM AKDT

PALMER — Before hitting the hardwood for its semifinal date with rival Wasilla, the Palmer volleyball team watched the film “Glory Road,” as a team.

It’s a basketball movie — a true story about Texas Western College’s bumpy road to a 1966 NCAA championship —but when the Moose faced their own adversity, the Palmer players looked to the sports flick for inspiration.

Palmer, sitting in a two-game hole, battled back to score a 3-2 (23-25, 21-25, 25-22, 25-21, 16-14) win over the Warriors during the Northern Lights Conference Volleyball Championships semifinals at Colony High on Friday.

“Before the game we watched ‘Glory Road’, the basketball movie, to pump up ourselves,” Palmer senior Morgan Morfe said. “We were like ‘Glory Road’, we can do it, we can push through.”

Palmer used wins during the final three sets to pave its own glory road to the conference championship match, where the Moose scored a 3-0 win over Kodiak to win its third straight conference title.

The Moose played their way down that road, thanks in part to the flawless hitting of senior Kalene Smith and back row play of Morfe and libero Lily Cullers.

But during the first two games of the match, the Moose were teetering on disaster as the Warriors were stellar.

Wasilla hitters Sariah Tuisaula, Haley Taylor and Jolee Fife powered the Warriors through Game 1, and Leah Taylor served three aces to help the Warriors launch to a seemingly crippling 13-1 lead in Game 2.

But as the Warriors smelled sweep and the Moose feared the worst, Palmer chipped away at the advantage and the momentum.

“I think initially everyone was terrified it was going to be some score like 25-3 and we were going to have to live with it,” Palmer head coach Steve Reynolds said. “It was just a matter of chipping away at it.”

Palmer used a 7-1 run to narrow the gap to 14-8, and after a Haley Taylor kill gave Wasilla the 21-14 advantage, the Moose scored seven straight points to tie the score at 21.

Wasilla capped the game with a four-point run to win the set 25-21, but the Moose felt that rally was key to their victory.

“We would have been done, period,” Reynolds said, if the Moose didn’t come back in the second game. “I think if we would never have gotten that game respectable, we would have been done.”

Morfe said Reynolds also gave the Moose an added sense of confidence after that game.

“After the game our coach said whenever someone looks at the scorebook it will always say 25-21. Nobody will ever know you came back from 13-1,” Morfe said.

Morfe also said the Moose were confident in their ability to rally.

“One of our strengths is comebacks,” Morfe said. “After we lost those two games, it was like, hmmm, this is what we do best.”

Both teams used terrific defensive efforts to extend the match to five games.

Warrior stalwarts — such as Haley Taylor, Kayla Bell and Kayla Binggeli — helped Wasilla keep play alive on the back line. Morfe and Cullers helped the Moose combat Wasilla’s talented strikers.

“I thought their defense was good throughout the night,” Reynolds said. “Our defense, I felt, got better as the night went on.”

Cullers, a first-year varsity libero, led the Moose with 16 digs.

“I really commend Lily. She’s the best libero I’ve ever played with,” Morfe said. “She scraps for every single ball. I’m so proud of her. She owned the court.”

Smith enjoyed a career night on the front line for Palmer, finishing with 14 kills and no hitting errors.

“She’s a senior. She’s smart and she sees things,” Reynolds said. “Without checking stats, that’s probably her best night ever.”

Smith scored the final kill of the night, placing a ball in a hole of the middle of the Wasilla defense. Smith used similar plays to score a handful of points throughout the night.

“She’s the queen of tipping,” Morfe said.

Tuisaula led the Warriors with 20 kills in the loss. Haley Tayler added 19 kills and a match-high 31 digs. Leah Taylor had 21 digs, and Taylor Steiner added 13 digs.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.

Sports : SWEET 3-PEAT - Frontiersman

2011-11-06T11:04:00.000-08:00

Sports : SWEET 3-PEAT - Frontiersman

SWEET 3-PEAT
By JEREMIAH BARTZ
Frontiersman
Published on Sunday, November 6, 2011 12:15 AM AKDT

PALMER — The Palmer Moose needed only three games to net the three-peat.

The Moose swept Kodiak 3-0 (25-23, 25-11, 25-19) to win their third straight conference crown during the final match of the Northern Lights Conference Championships at Colony High School Saturday evening.

Senior setter Jenna Arlow, who was named the NLC North Division Most Valuable Player after the match, collected 23 assists to help Palmer notch the three-peat and win its fourth conference championship in five seasons.

“The past three years, winning three in a row is something to enjoy,” Arlow said as she held her MVP plaque after the match. “I’m so proud of my team. Everybody was working really hard.”

Palmer scored the quick three-set win in a match many thought could see five games. The Moose rallied to edge rival Wasilla in a five-game semifinal match on Friday. Kodiak also needed five games to get past Colony in the other semi.

Palmer and Kodiak also played a pair of tough matches during the final weekend of the regular season.

“I definitely was expecting to go long again,” said Palmer head coach Steve Reynolds, who was named the NLC Coach of the Year for the third time in his 12 years as the Moose mentor. “We had a four-game match against them on our senior night and a five-game match the next day.”

The Moose and Bears played a tight first game. Kodiak was able to take a six-point lead on a Manya Wandersee kill midway through the first. But after Wandersee gave Kodiak the 12-6 lead, Palmer used a 10-4 run to tie the game at 16.

“We definitely expected Kodiak to be a big threat,” Arlow said. “We had to go out there and work hard right away.”

The Moose were able to grab momentum late the Game 1, and hold it throughout the match. Reynolds, who was doused with bottles of water during a post-match celebration, credited his team’s serving.

“We served tough, kept them off-balance,” Reynolds said. “We had leads, not big leads. But when you’re serving tough and getting a little bit of a lead, you can play more relaxed.”

Arlow finished with three aces in the match. But more than the aces, the overall quality of his players’ serves impressed Reynolds.

Arlow recorded two of her aces during an eight-point run that capped Palmer’s 25-11 win in Game 2. Sophomore Macey Buresh served seven straight points midway through the second game.

That stretch was key for Palmer. The Moose were locked in a 5-5 tie with Kodiak before Buresh hit the service line.

In the third, Buresh served another six straight points to push a one-point Palmer advantage to a 21-14 lead.

“Macey had big strings of points,” Reynolds said of the sophomore. “She looked like a veteran tonight.”

Buresh is one of three sophomores who see ample playing time for the Moose. Sophomores Brecken Riekena and Elliot Perkins have also been key to the success.

“Every time they go out there, they’re giving 100 percent,” Arlow said of the underclassmen. “They never act scared.”

Reynolds was also proud of a pair of seniors, Kalene Smith and Kasara Brandenburg, who help lead the Moose attack.

Smith had a match-high nine kills and finished with 23 kills and just two errors during the final two matches of the tournament.

“She had a great tournament,” Reynolds said.

Brandenburg also stood out, getting many of her eight kills as the Moose tried to seal the sweep.

“I was super excited about her especially,” Reynolds said of the senior hitter. “I enjoyed that with the seniors in there, taking care of business.”

Both Palmer and Kodiak earned state tournament berths by advancing to the finals, and will start state tourney play Thursday at the Menard Memorial Sports Center in Wasilla. The Wasilla Warriors also advanced to the state tourney by finishing third in the NLC event.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.

All-Northern Lights Conference

North Division Player of Year: Jenna Arlow, Palmer

South Division Player of Year: Amanda McDowell, Skyview

Coach of the Year: Steve Reynolds, Palmer.

First-team All-NLC:

Carole Lampl, Kodiak; Jenna Arlow, Palmer; Haley Taylor, Wasilla; Amanda McDowell, Skyview; Kallee Skjold, Soldotna; Jolee Fife, Wasilla; Kylee Woodford, Soldotna; Mary Klapperich, Colony; Hannah Wandersee, Kodiak; Morgan Morfe, Palmer.

Second-team All-NLC:

Marlee Cunningham, Skyview; Lauren Cashman, Homer; Kayla Bell, Wasilla; Britanie Whipple, Skyview; Brooke DeVaney, Homer; Mary Hauptman, Skyview; Heidi Westernman, Soldotna; Allison Leigh, Colony; Tonya Wandersee, Kodiak; Lily Cullers, Palmer.

Yay!

2011-11-05T22:56:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to the varsity team for winning regions this year!

2011-11-04T10:06:00.001-07:00

Tonight Palmer plays Wasilla @ 5:00 for the semi final round of regions at Colony High School.

See you there!

Regions @ Colony

2011-11-01T10:23:00.000-07:00

Make sure to head over to Colony to watch varsity at their regional tournament!

First game is Thursday @ 5:00 vs Kenai.

MatSuSports on Facebook

2011-09-17T22:17:00.000-07:00

If you haven't already, check out MatSuSports on facebook. You'll find some pictures of our Houston game and hopefully more will come later! :)

2011-09-03T08:13:00.001-07:00

Games today at South, 12,1,2:30

2011-09-01T13:05:00.001-07:00

Games today at Eagle river are at 5,6 and 7:30.

2011-08-16T22:55:00.000-07:00

Have fun at school!!

Practice Times:
Cteam & JV
2:30-4:30

Varsity
4:30-6:30

Varsity Jamboree is Friday and Saturday,

Cteam & JV jamboree will only be Saturday.

2011-08-11T21:40:00.001-07:00

MANDATORY parent meeting tomorrow (Friday) at 6pm for all teams.

2011-08-10T20:56:00.001-07:00

Practice Times for Thursday and Friday

Cteam 1-3:30
JV 2:30-4:30
Varsity 4:30-6:45

Make sure your paperwork is turned in. :)

2011-08-03T15:24:00.001-07:00

CHANGE!! Open gym will be at PHS tonight. Yes, Palmer High.

Tryouts- More Info

2011-07-30T13:47:00.000-07:00

The office is open from 11-3 so you can pick up your paperwork there. Or click on the links at the bottom of this post and print them out.

You will need to fill out and sign the activities form. Make sure you fill out the policy number and sign it or the form will be given back.

Also, watch the TAD video and you and your parents need to sign the form saying you saw it.

Get your physical from a doctor.

Here are the links so you can print out the forms if you want.

Activities Form
TAD Video
TAD Acknowledgement Form . I realize this link isn't working right now, we will get you the form to fill out if the link isn't available by the time tryouts come around. But watch the video! :)

Open Gym & Tryouts

2011-07-24T14:19:00.000-07:00

Open Gym
We have two open gyms scheduled before the season starts.

Aug 3rd- 6:30-8:30 at PJMS. This is open to anyone at any school. We have all 4 courts at the middle school so there is room for all!

Aug 5th- 6:30-8:30 at PHS. We have less room so this is going to be open for palmer players.

Spread the word! We will have lots of fun :)

Tryouts
Tryouts are August 8th, 9th and 10th.
Times:
1:00-3:30 Freshman
3:30-6:00 Soph/Junior/Senior

Please bring your paperwork, physical and money. Plan on getting there early enough to change your shoes and be ready to go right on time.

No Vball camp 7-13-11

2011-07-07T20:18:00.000-07:00

We forgot to mention it last night, but next week we will not have camp. The gym floor is being re-done so enjoy the week!(Pass along this info to anyone who doesnt check the blog very often)

My Apologies!!

2011-07-04T10:32:00.001-07:00

My Apologies!!

I completely forgot that we had originally said we were going to have the second group get out of the gym at 8:45, so I've been keeping them until 9:00. For the rest of the summer we will be quitting at 8:45 on the dot! The girls should file out of the building around 8:50- 8:55.
I'm sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Steve

Sand Volleyball League

2011-05-31T17:05:00.000-07:00

The sand volleyball league starts tonight at Wonderland Park. Bring a team of 4 or go on your own and find a team. Tonight will be like an outdoor open gym I think. Then next week will be the first scheduled games. Its only a few bucks per team, so go spend some time playing outdoor vball! (Plus it will help your vertical to jump in the sand all summer!)

Camp Info

2011-05-18T17:09:00.000-07:00

Thanks for your interest in this years summer camp. The deadline was May 15, and we are pretty full now so if you sign up you will be put on a waiting list. There is usually a spot or two that becomes available and we will call you and let you know if one does.

Next week is our first week in the gym, so here are the times:

Group 1, which includes everyone entering 9th grade or younger, 5:30-7:15. Please be ready to go by 5:30. (shoes on, hair up, smile on your face)

Group 2, which includes everyone entering 10, 11, and 12th grade, 7:00-8:45. Please be ready to go by 7:00. (shoes on, hair up, smile on your face)

We are at Palmer High School, and you will need to enter the school through the downstairs door. (go back by the football field)

See you next week!

2011-05-15T16:13:00.000-07:00

Alright, the summer camp is only a week and a half away. If you're not signed up yet, and want to be, make sure you get your paperwork turned in.

For those of you who have signed up, check back on the blog for specific times. We are really looking forward to seeing all of you!

Summer Time!

2011-05-15T16:06:00.001-07:00

This summer will be the first year that there is a beach volleyball league in the valley. (I use the term "beach" fairly loosely, I should say "sand" volleyball.) So here is the deal, go to wonderland park on May 31 to join all the other interested teams. You can sign up and pick up extra players if you need them. Games will be once a week all summer, I think it is all coed, but there might be a league for just girls if there is enough interest... I'm not sure. Show up and look for Hondo. He is putting it together, so you will need to sign up with him and I know he is up for suggestions also.

There are doubles tournaments in anchorage this year too. For dates and times, look for the Beach posts. Also- I'm considering putting together a beach tournament out here at the end of July, if I end up doing that, I'll put info on the blog.

Enjoy your last few weeks of school!

Northern Lights Volleyball Camp

2011-05-12T10:11:00.000-07:00

Here is the link for info on the Northern Lights Volleyball camp. It's a pretty darn fun camp with good coaching, instead of laying around on your couch this summer, why not play some extra volleyball. June 14-17 at Teeland. $200
Click Here

2011-05-06T17:20:00.000-07:00

Open gym was lots of fun the other night, I hope you enjoyed it too. Next up is the summer camp so be sure to get your paperwork filled out and check mailed. See you soon!

Open Gym Date Change

2011-04-23T19:04:00.000-07:00

Palmer High School athletes and alumni open gym on Wednesday, May 4th. 6:00-8:00 at PHS. Spread the word. Hope to see you!

Summer Volleyball Camp

2011-04-07T20:36:00.000-07:00

Here are the scheduled dates and times for the 2011 summer camp at Palmer High School. Slight changes may occur due to gym maintenance, or other unforeseen circumstances, but this schedule should be accurate. Last summer we met 9 times, and that is our goal again this year. Hopefully this will enable players who will be out of town at some point to still make it to a good number of sessions.

There will be two groups, both meeting on Wednesday nights.

Group 1 will meet from 5:30-7:15 it is typically filled with incoming freshmen, and sophomores.
Group 2 will meet from 7:15-9:00 this group is for the more experienced players, typically juniors, and seniors.

Both groups meet on the following dates:
May 25 June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 July 6, 13, 20, 27
There are 10 dates listed, but we expect to lose one while the gym floor is being refinished.

It is early in the sign-up process so we still have room in both groups for more players. If you have a friend or know of someone else who might be interested in attending please have them email volleyball@reynoldshardwood.com for more information.

We are offering a sibling discount this summer as well, so if you have multiple daughters participating it is $125 for the first one, but only $100 for each additional daughter. Sorry no discounts for cousins or bff's.

Payment of $125 is due by May 15, 2010
Please make checks payable to "Palmer High School"
Mail to: Steve Reynolds PO Box 1851 Palmer, AK. 99645

Print, complete, and include the following form with payment.

Click Here

Beach Volleyball Schedule

2011-04-06T09:39:00.000-07:00

Beach Volleyball Alaska 2011

Beach Volleyball Alaska tournaments for 2011 will again be held at Springer Park in mid-town Anchorage. Event dates are as follows:

June 11 - Men, Women & Coed
July 9 - Men, Women & Coed
July 23 - Men, Women & Coed
July 30 - Alaska State Beach Volleyball Juniors Championships – Boys & Girls
August 6 - Alaska State Beach Volleyball Open Championships - Men, Women & Coed

Summer Camp Information

2011-04-05T09:28:00.000-07:00

This summer we will, once again, be offering an opportunity for local players to work on their volleyball skills in a setting similar to Midnight Sun's Skill School.

We will be focused on improving players specifically in the positions they play, as well as refining, and advancing individual skill. Practices will consist of drills and skill work with video taping and plenty of technical feedback.

This camp meets once a week starting in may and lasting through June and July. Camp sessions are held in the Palmer High Gym, and occasionally at the AT&T Center. We plan to meet Wednesdays for 1.5-2 hours in the evening, a total of 9 times throughout the summer, however we are still working on finalizing the exact dates and times so there may be changes made later. A more accurate calendar will be available later this spring.

Coaches will include: Steve Reynolds, Jayme Dehart, and a wide variety of others with first hand knowledge of the skills needed to take your game to the next level.

The cost is $125. Payment details will follow - no payment is necessary right now.

If you are entering 9th-12th grade and would like to enroll in the Summer Session, email or mail the requested information to one of the addresses below. (email preferred)

volleyball@reynoldshardwood.com

Steve Reynolds PO Box 1851 Palmer, AK 99645

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Name ___________________________________________________
Email____________________________________________________
Phone___________________________________________________
Mailing Address___________________________________________
School _______ Entering Grade_____
Position(s)_______________________

Sports : Time for change - Frontiersman

2011-04-03T16:14:00.000-07:00

Sports : Time for change - Frontiersman

By JEREMIAH BARTZ
Frontiersman
Published on Saturday, December 18, 2010 11:34 PM AKST

MAT-SU — Local prep programs will see tremendous change in the coming years with the adoption of a major reclassification plan by the Alaska Schools Activities Association last week.

The ASAA board of directors voted to approve the move, which affects local athletes in a variety of schools and sports. With the changes — which will be put into effect for the 2012-13 school year — Houston and Susitna Valley will drop classes, two programs will leave the Northern Lights Conference and Palmer could potentially compete in a new-formed medium-schools football class.

The board also voted to change the prep wrestling season and the way 4A teams are selected for the state basketball tournament.

Wasilla assistant principal and Region III representative Dan Michael calls the state’s activities association’s moves the most significant in the last 30 years.

Michael said school officials have long talked of reclassification, but little has been done since ASAA adopted a four-class system in the early 1980s. Recently, the state had reached a point where action had to be taken. Michael said five schools — Homer, Skyview, Houston, Susitna Valley and Nenana — were at the forefront for the need to change and sparked the debate.

“The reason we needed to change was for five schools,” said Michael, who is serving his second year on the ASAA board. “They were placed in a place where they couldn’t be competitive.”

Houston, Homer and Skyview are currently 4A programs, but will drop to 3A in 2012-13. Su Valley and Nenana are 3A, but will drop to 2A.

Houston back

to 3A, Su Valley 2A

Houston, which was forced to make the jump to 4A for the 2007-08 school year, will return to the 3A Southcentral Conference for basketball, volleyball and wrestling in 2012-13.

“We’re excited about it,” Houston head boys basketball coach Dave Porter said. “To be competitive, have a legitimate shot at state titles, going to state, winning region championships, we really need to be with other like-size schools.”

ASAA used enrollment numbers from October 2009, the most recent available, to gauge the need to change and reclassify. Houston sits at 405 students and currently competes in the 4A Mid-Alaska Conference in boys and girls basketball, wrestling, volleyball and hockey. The MAC includes Lathrop (1,209 students), West Valley (1,087) and North Pole (820). Juneau-Douglas (941) was recently added to the MAC for hockey.

Since the move up, no Houston team has advanced to the state tournament in basketball, volleyball or hockey.

The Hawks have become more competitive in certain sports. Last season, Houston beat Lathrop, which later went on to win the MAC. But it’s tough to expect the Hawks to be competitive all the time, Porter said, considering the enrollment of the other MAC schools.

With the move to the Southcentral, Houston would join a seven-team conference with a range of 182-422 students, according to the October 2009 numbers.

With the change, the Houston hockey team would also be able to return to the Greatland Conference. In the Greatland, the Hawks were a hockey power, winning five state titles. But since the move to the MAC, Houston has struggled to win games.

The Houston baseball and track and field teams are not affected by the changes.

Porter said the Houston teams accepted the challenge of going 4A and facing schools with much bigger enrollments.

“We said, if we’ve got to go 4A, hey we’ll do it, we’ll go wholeheartedly,” Porter said. “It’s been a great thing for our school. It’s tested us, pushed us to really excel to the best of our ability.”

The move to the Southcentral will also reunite the Hawks with natural rivals such as Anchorage Christian, Grace Christian, Seward and Nikiski. Skyview and Homer, which now play in the 4A Northern Lights Conference, would also be in the Southcentral.

“It’s huge, it puts fans in the seats, really gives fans something to look forward to,” Porter said of the chance to play opponents from schools closer in proximity.

While the Hawks have enjoyed playing in the MAC, Porter said, facing teams from the Interior simply does not have the same feel for players or fans as facing a squad from Southcentral Alaska.

“It’s that school spirit we’ve been missing,” Porter said.

Su Valley currently competes in the Southcentral Conference. Like Houston, Su Valley — a school with just more than 100 students — struggles to compete against schools two and sometimes three times its size. With the change, the Rams would be moved into the 2A Interior Conference with schools such as Cordova (126), Glennallen (94), Monroe Catholic (127) and Nenana (121).

Porter said his one issue with the reclassification is waiting until 2012-13. Porter said Houston will petition ASAA to allow the Hawks to fly into the Southcentral next season.

“We’re going to see if we can speed up the process,” Porter said.

Palmer faces a choice

The ASAA board voted to add a third football class starting in 2012-13. Currently there are just large- and small-schools classes. But ASAA opted to include a medium-schools class, created to accommodate schools with 401-800 students. Houston and Palmer (798) both fall into that range for football.

The large-schools class would feature teams from schools with 801 or more students. All eight Cook Inlet Conference programs currently fall into that category, as do the Railbelt’s Wasilla (1,287), Colony (1,245), Lathrop (1,209), West Valley (1,087), North Pole (820) and Juneau-Douglas (941).

Palmer could be lumped in with Kodiak (783), Soldotna (568), Kenai (539), Ketchikan (578), Thunder Mountain (564), Homer (422), Houston (405) and Skyview (403).

Schools such as Skyview, Houston, Palmer and North Pole lie near the borders of either the new maximum or minimum number of students for the new plan. That could change things in 2012-13. ASAA will take the most recent enrollment figures into account for the 2012-13 season.

Assuming Palmer stays in that middle pack, it doesn’t necessarily mean the Moose will have to play in the middle-schools pack. Teams can still opt up to play in a higher conference. Teams just can’t opt down to a lower class.

“It’s interesting,” Palmer head coach Rod Christiansen said of the addition of the middle-schools class. “It’s always been a challenge for us to go against the big guys. It’s such a numbers game.”

Palmer has been one of the more successful large-schools football teams in the last two decades. The Moose have missed the playoffs just once since 1994 and have played in four state championship games. Palmer won it all in 1995.

But despite their success, the Moose often have fewer players on the roster than many of their opponents.

“In the playoffs last year, we probably had four sophomores starting or making significant contribution for the varsity by the end of the year,” Christiansen said.

With that said, Palmer said the Moose are happy where they are, and happy to have the chance to compete against the state’s best each year.

The change for football was brought upon by the imbalance at the small-schools level. Powers Soldotna and Kenai have ruled the class and only three programs (Nikiski, Soldotna and Kenai) have won a small-schools state title since the class was added for the 2000 season. Nikiski won the first two small-schools titles. Kenai and Soldotna have combined to win the last nine.

“The small schools have been trying to do this for a long time,” Michael said. “They’re tired of getting beat by those giant scores.”

Schools with 400 students and fewer would be in the small-schools class for football. This would include teams such as Eielson (309), Nikiski (255), Seward (183), Valdez (226) and Delta (227).

ASAA also adopted a change for next season. A third state title will be handed out in 2010. The champion of the Greatland and the champion of the Northern Lights Conference will each earn a separate title, rather than teams from both conferences playing for one small-schools title.

Softball would be the only other sport at Palmer to be potentially effected. The Moose softball team could play in the small-schools class. All other Moose sports remain 4A with the new classification.

Opting up

In the past, if a school wanted to opt up to the next class, all of the school’s programs would have to opt up. But now, with ASAA’s approval, schools can opt up in single sports. For example, if the Houston wrestling team wanted to stay 4A, it could without impacting any other sport. If a school does opt up in a sport, it has to for a minimum of two years. Also, if a school opts up in basketball, both the boys and girls programs have to opt up.

Change in

tourney format

Starting next year, two at-large berths will be included in the 4A state basketball tournaments. Currently, the Cook Inlet and Northern Lights conferences each receive three automatic berths, and the Mid-Alaska and Southeast conference each get one. Under the new plan, the CIC and NLC would each lose their third automatic berth to make room for the at-large berths.

The at-large berths for the boys and girls would be decided by ASAA’s Win Percentage Index, the formula used to seed teams in the tournament.

Reclassification will also change the format of the NLC tournament. With the move of Homer and Skyview to 3A, the NLC will be left with six teams.

Region III has not addressed this issue yet.

Wrestling season changed

The Alaska prep wrestling calendar has been the subject of a longtime debate, and ASAA approved a change for the 4A season. The 4A grapplers will now start their season in October and end the first weekend of February, beginning next year.

The 1A-2A-3A wrestling season remains the same — September through December.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com and follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/matsu_sports.

Sign Up For The Summer Camp

2011-03-13T16:02:00.000-07:00

Alright, Get signed up for the summer camp before it is full! Reserve your spot by
emailing Steve right away. volleyball@reynoldshardwood.com

Basic info:
This is a skills camp that takes place one day a week all summer.
Two age groups, older (girls entering 11th and 12th grade) and younger, (girls entering 9th and 10th grade.)
Takes place at PHS
See below for more info.

2010-12-17T12:44:00.001-08:00

We have open gym on Tuesday December 21st at Palmer High School. 6:00-8:30. Bring your friends. Hope you can make it!

2010-12-11T14:46:00.001-08:00

There is a lot of volleyball on this weekend. If you have cable and you're bored, check it out. Next weekend is the national championships, I'm sure it will be televised so so make sure you check it out!!!

Banquet

2010-11-22T10:15:00.001-08:00

The banquet will be held next Monday, November, 29 @ 6:00. See you all there!

Frontiersman Pics

2010-11-17T15:39:00.000-08:00

Sports : Season ends with tough 5-game match for Moose - Frontiersman

2010-11-17T15:38:00.000-08:00

Sports : Season ends with tough 5-game match for Moose - Frontiersman

By GREG JOHNSON
Frontiersman
Published on Saturday, November 13, 2010 11:47 PM AKST

WASILLA — Fresh off an upset win at the Northern Lights Conference regional tournament, Palmer gave Moose fans an exciting end to their season Friday at the ASAA/First National Bank State Volleyball Championships.

With the tournament played at the Curtis D. Menard Memorial Sports Center, Palmer ended the 2010 season with a tough 3-2 loss to Juneau-Douglas in the consolation semifinals (15-25, 25-22, 25-20, 16-25, 13-15).

In a match with contrasting styles, the Crimson Bears rode the dominating play of senior middle-hitter Sarah Tarver, who disrupted the Moose offense at the net for much of the match. With Palmer leading 2-1 in the match, Tarver elevated her play with seven kills and nine blocks in the final two games to help Juneau notch the win.

“She’s tall and tipped the ball around to good places and found openings a lot,” said Palmer head coach Steve Reynolds.

It was par for the course for Tarver, said Juneau head coach Sandi Wagner.

“She’s done that all season,” she said.

For Palmer, Friday’s consolation round match was difficult to get up for, especially at 9 a.m., Reynolds said. After winning the regional tournament, the Moose opened state tournament play Thursday with a first-round loss to Dimond.

When they quickly dropped the first game to Douglas, Palmer could’ve rolled over, he said. Instead, the Moose rebounded to win the next two games and nearly pulled out the win in the fifth and deciding game.

“That first game, we got off to a really slow start. But we showed that, at times, we’re good,” Reynolds said.

The Moose showed how good in the second game, holding off a late Juneau rally after coming from behind early in the game.

Palmer started the game getting out to a quick 4-1 lead, but the Crimson Bears, sparked by five straight service points from Megan Mauseth, put the Moose in a 9-4 hole. That’s when Palmer clamped down on defense and steadily erased the deficit and built a comfortable lead at 23-16 and held on for the 25-22 win. Offensively, junior Jessica Dennis sparked the Moose with three key kills near the end of the game.

The Moose were in control for much of the second game, sparked by four straight service points from senior Rebecca Stella, including an ace, to lead early 6-2.

Tarver tried to keep the Crimson Bears in the game, with three kills and five blocks, but it wasn’t enough. Palmer’s sharp play continued to build the lead to seven points at 21-14 before putting the game away.

The game three win put Palmer in the driver’s seat and the match was looking good, Reynolds said.

“We had our moments there where I thought we moved the ball well and controlled the ball well,” he said.

There seemed to be more of those moments as the fourth game began, with the Moose taking an early 4-1 lead, but Tarver would inspire the Crimson Bears with a late push to close out the game 25-16 and tie the match.

In the fifth and deciding game, Palmer put Juneau on the ropes early, leading 5-0 within the first minutes of play, spurred by a Stella Kill and four straight service points for Chantel Grover.

But Juneau had another answer for Palmer’s run. Mauseth served four straight points to pull the Crimson Bears even at 6. The teams were tied again at 13, and it would be Tarver who would step up again at the net with a block and the win, 15-13.

Palmer had its chances by leading early in games four and five, Reynolds said.

“Either by our own mental errors or unforced errors or something good that they would do, it would kind of squash the momentum,” he said.

Looking back on the season, the coach said he’s proud of his team and their region title.

“We started kind of slow, but people were working hard and making improvements, and as a team I thought we really improved as we got down to the last three weeks of the season,” he said. “That’s the perfect time.”

Contact Greg Johnson at greg.johnson@frontiersman.com or 352-2269.

Sports : Fast tournament start not enough for Moose - Frontiersman

2010-11-17T15:36:00.000-08:00

Sports : Fast tournament start not enough for Moose - Frontiersman

By JEREMIAH BARTZ
Frontiersman
Published on Thursday, November 11, 2010 11:48 PM AKST

WASILLA — During the first game of their match Thursday night, the Palmer Moose appeared to be headed right toward pulling off an upset. The Moose smacked two-time defending state champion Dimond with a 25-16 defeat in the first set.

But with that fast start, the Moose may have simply awoken a sleeping giant.

The Lynx took the final three games to secure a 3-1 (16-25, 25-18, 25-22, 25-22) win over the Moose during the first round of the ASAA/First National Bank 4A State Volleyball Championships at the Curtis D. Menard Memorial Sports Center in Wasilla.

“Dimond definitely turned their heat up with their serves, and it kind of snowballed from there,” Palmer head coach Steve Reynolds said after the loss.

Although Dimond was able to use its height to its advantage, both offensively and defensively, Reynolds said he felt it all started with Dimond’s superior serving.

“That was the biggest key,” Reynolds said. “They just came out strong, and the serves kept us off balance.”

The serving, Reynolds said, allow the Lynx to control the play of the match in other aspects.

“Once they got us out of sorts, they had their way with us,” Reynolds said.

Reynolds said the Moose had a particularly tough time passing the ball.

“Once the passing goes away, the setting gets tougher, everything gets harder,” Reynolds said. “When the hitters are not getting (the ball) as easily, it starts to affect other parts of the game.”

Led by the hitting of senior Kendal Venzke, Palmer jumped out to an early led in the first set.

“We just played very well that first game,” Reynolds said.

Palmer used a five-point run — that included kills by Jessica Dennis and Chantel Grover, and a Venzke ace — to take an 8-4 lead in the game.

Palmer capped a 5-1 run with a Jenna Arlow ace to take the 11-5 lead.

Kalene Smith scored another ace later in the game to give the Moose the 20-13 advantage, and Palmer closed the game thanks to consecutive Dimond hits into the net.

But after that, Dimond was able to quickly capture the momentum. The Lynx opened with four straight points in the second game and used a six-point run to take an 11-4 lead.

Dimond also led by significant margins in games 3 and 4, but Palmer was able to claw back. But each time, the rally fell short.

Dimond edged Palmer by three points in each of the final two games.

“I definitely liked that,” Reynolds said of the rallies. “But we had little lulls in our play early in those games. In the state tournament against good teams, like Dimond, you can’t take those little breaks.

Venzke led the Moose with 12 kills in the game. Arlow contributed 29 assists.

With the loss Palmer is pushed backward and will play Juneau-Douglas this morning at 9. Juneau suffered a 3-2 loss to Chugiak on Thursday.

Dimond moves forward to play Chugiak this afternoon at 3:45 p.m.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com and follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/matsu_sports.

2010-11-11T14:26:00.000-08:00

The varsity team plays tonight at 7:15 in the first round of the state tournament. Hope you can make it out to support the team!

2010-11-09T09:37:00.000-08:00

Pictures from the Frontiersman

Sports : Home court - Frontiersman

2010-11-09T09:27:00.000-08:00

Sports : Home court - Frontiersman

By Jeremiah Bartz
Frontiersman
Published on Monday, November 8, 2010 9:22 PM AKST

WASILLA — History has a funny way of repeating itself.

On Saturday, the Palmer Moose surprised top-seeded Wasilla in the final match of the Northern Lights championship to win the conference crown. Palmer’s road to the 2010 NLC title was somewhat similar to its path to a 2009 conference title. Much like this year, the Moose also upset a top seed en route to an NLC championship.

But that’s not where the similarities end.

Last season, Palmer opened play against defending state champion Dimond during the first day of the state tournament. And that’s exactly how the Moose will begin the 2010 tourney.

NLC champion Palmer will face 2010 Cook Inlet Conference runner-up and two-time defending state champion Dimond at 7:15 p.m., Thursday during the first round of the ASAA/First National Bank 4A State Volleyball Championships at the Curtis. D. Menard II Memorial Sports Center in Wasilla.

When it comes to similarities, that’s where the Moose would like to see it end. Last year, Dimond edged Palmer 3-2 (25-17, 26-24, 21-25, 22-25, 15-9) in the first round, and the Lynx went on to beat Colony in the state title match.

Regardless, Palmer head coach Steve Reynolds likes the idea of a rematch with the Lynx.

“We’ve played them before, we’ve taken games from them,” Reynolds said Monday. “When we played Dimond last year, we went five and lost. We have enough girls on the team from last year, they’re already talking about how we need to take care of business.”

Palmer will be one of three Valley teams looking to take care of business Thursday. Wasilla, which suffered a 3-1 loss to the Moose in the conference title match, opens play against CIC champion South Anchorage at 5:30 p.m. Colony, the NLC No. 3 seed, faces Mid-Alaska Conference champ West Valley at 3:45 p.m.

Palmer upset a Wasilla team that was previously undefeated in conference play in the NLC title match. Reynolds said his team has steadily built confidence and momentum throughout the latter half of the season. An example of that is Palmer’s performance against Wasilla in the tourney.

During the regular season, the Moose dropped a pair of losses to Wasilla, including a quick 55-minute match on Palmer’s home court.

“We hadn’t done too well against Wasilla, but we still came in and played with confidence in regions,” Reynolds said.

He said he hopes that momentum can drive the Moose through the state tourney as well.

“Momentum is everything in volleyball,” Reynolds said. “Conversely, when things fall apart, things fall apart pretty badly. We always try to work on just leveling out those highs and lows.”

While Palmer will look to ride its momentum, Wasilla will attempt to get back on track when it opens against South Anchorage.

Wasilla’s Claudia Farias Pinard, the 2010 NLC Coach of the Year, said she has no doubt her team can rebound.

“We will come back, for sure,” Farias Pinard said Monday.

Farias Pinard was also not overly concerned about playing South, a squad that won three straight state titles from 2005-07.

“I don’t think any team in the tournament is better than another,” Farias Pinard said.

Wasilla cruised through the NLC regular season, beating most teams handily. The Warriors lone blemish on their regular season mark came in a nonconference loss to Grace Christian, a top 3A team in the state.

“I believe we have the potential to win,” Farias Pinard said.

Farias Pinard said she hopes her team can use that loss to Palmer to their advantage.

South swept Dimond in the CIC title match to earn the conference crown and remain undefeated in 2010.

Colony, which powered its way through the backside of conference bracket during the final day of the NLC tourney, opens with Mid-Alaska Conference champion West Valley.

The Wolfpack followed an undefeated season with a pair of wins during the MAC tourney at North Pole High School last weekend. West Valley swept fourth-seeded Houston and second-seeded North Pole in the tourney to improve to 15-0 overall.

West Valley also beat Colony during a regular season match at CHS in October.

In the NLC tournament, Colony rebounded from a semifinal loss to Wasilla and scored victories over Kodiak and Soldotna during the final day of the tourney. The Knights used the 3-0 sweep of the Stars in the tourney’s third-place match to earn the NLC’s final berth in the state event.

Colony, the 4A runner-up in 2007 and 2009 has not missed the state tourney since 2002.

Contact Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com. Follow him at Twitter at twitter.com/matsu_sports.

Breaking News : Palmer spikes Warriors to win region title - Frontiersman

2010-11-08T10:01:00.000-08:00

Breaking News : Palmer spikes Warriors to win region title - Frontiersman

By JEREMIAH BARTZ
Frontiersman
Published on Saturday, November 6, 2010 11:27 PM AKDT

SOLDOTNA — When the Palmer Moose met the Wasilla Warriors for the final time during the regular season, Wasilla made quick work of the Moose, cruising past their rival during a quick, 55-minute match on Palmer’s home court.

That, coupled with Wasilla’s dominance of the Northern Lights Conference this season, Palmer head coach Steve Reynolds admittedly did not know what to think as he led his squad onto the court to play Wasilla in the conference title match Saturday evening.

But powered by a newfound sense of confidence, Reynolds’ Moose prevailed. Palmer scored a 3-1 (26-24, 25-27, 25-22, 25-22) win Saturday over the previously undefeated Warriors during the title match of the Northern Lights Conference Championships volleyball tournament at Skyview High School in Soldotna.

“If I’m being honest, I wasn’t sure (about the match),” Reynolds said by cell phone Saturday evening as his squad was returning to the Valley in the team bus. “We had just lost to them two times during the regular season, and the last time they killed us. But we gained confidence down here.”

That confidence, Reynolds said, skyrocketed during his team’s 3-1 upset win over host Skyview in the NLC semifinals on Friday.

“That game against Skyview, that was a great confidence booster,” Reynolds said. “That got us through tonight.”

Senior Kendal Venzke, who was named first-team All-Northern Lights Conference after the match, led the team with 18 kills to help Palmer win its second straight NLC crown. Both Palmer and Wasilla earned automatic berths to next week’s state tournament with their appearance in the conference final. Colony made it a clean sweep for the Valley, clinching its postseason bid with a 3-0 sweep of Soldotna during the third-place match Saturday afternoon.

For the Moose, the road to their second straight conference championship was eerily similar to their journey to the 2009 crown. Like last season, the Moose started the season a little bit slow, but quietly progressed and eventually stunned the top seed for the title.

“We did struggle some early on. We had some weird things happen, some injuries,” Reynolds said. “But it came together. Apparently, a slow start is not a problem.”

Reynolds said things began to click for his team during the Dimond/Service Tournament in Anchorage last month. Up to that point, the Moose coaching staff had been tinkering with starting lineups. But during that tourney, they found a combination that worked. Reynolds said the Moose used so many different sets of starters, once they did find that right group, it turned into somewhat of an inside joke.

“We were like, hey we’ve used that one before,” Reynolds said with a laugh.

But more important than that, he said, was the progression.

“The big thing was people were still improving right up to the end,” Reynolds said.

The players saw that confidence, too.

“I think we all started to realize that if we started working hard, working more as a team, no one could stop us,” hitter Rebecca Stella said by cell phone from the team bus Saturday.

Wasilla junior Sariah Tuisaula was named the most valuable player of the NLC North Division after the final match. Wasilla’s Aryn Crane, Palmer’s Jenna Arlow and Colony’s Shellina Irwin joined Venzke on the NLC first team. Wasilla’s Claudia Farias Pinard was named the NLC Coach of the Year.

Wasilla’s Kayla Bell and Haley Taylor, and Palmer’s Morgan Morfe were named to the second team.

2010-11-08T09:43:00.001-08:00

Congratulations to the varsity team who won regions this weekend!!

Jenna and Kendal made the All Region Team, while Morgan made Second Team plus the Good Sport Team. Way to be a good sport Morgan :)

They are set to play the first round of the state tournament at 7:15 on Thursday against Dimond. Hope everyone can make it out to support the team.

Good Luck Girls!

Sports : Palmer plays ‘flawless’ to advance - Frontiersman

2010-11-07T16:51:00.000-08:00

Sports : Palmer plays ‘flawless’ to advance - Frontiersman

2010-10-31T15:35:00.000-07:00

Sports : Moose sink Mariners to close out season - Frontiersman

2010-10-31T15:34:00.000-07:00

Sports : Moose sink Mariners to close out season - Frontiersman

By TIM ROCKEY
For the Frontiersman
Published on Saturday, October 30, 2010 9:51 PM AKDT

PALMER — If you watched the Northern Lights Conference volleyball action at Palmer High on Friday, you wouldn’t have thought it was a fairly meaningless game.

Both teams have already been seeded for this week’s regional tournament, but the Senior Night match between the Moose and Panthers was no dud. Skyview won the match, but needed four games, 25-22, 25-17, (25-18), 25-21.

“Palmer’s always steady and they’re on their home floor. This should be a good match,” Skyview head coach Sheila Kupfershmid said.

Both teams play similar styles of volleyball, relying heavily on their setters for offense. Palmer junior Jenna Arlow and Panther Rebecca Egan provided the fireworks when it came to moving the volleyball.

Game one saw streaks back and forth as the teams jockeyed for dominance. Palmer started off playing somewhat sloppy, but junior Sarah Scoresby sparked a short rally when she rejected a thundering Holly Ransell hit back to the Skyview side of the court for a block, and then followed up with an ace from the service line.

Before that point, when Palmer looked finished for the game, the Moose played strong to tie the score at 22. But Palmer couldn’t stay perfect forever and Skyview’s raw power proved too much in the first game and the Panthers came out on top 25-22.

Palmer picked up its play in the second game, but Skyview didn’t let up. Holly Ransell rattled off three aces in a serve streak of four. Setter Rebecca Egan showed her versatility on the court and gave Palmer’s defense fits with a serve streak of five later in the game.

After the second game, Palmer sophomore Lily Cullers and junior Morgan Morfe switched out on defense, allowing Arlow to find Morfe for the kill again and again. Morfe’s powerful spikes, along with the blocking presence of Jessica Dennis and serve streaks of seven and four by junior KaLene Smith, Palmer found its groove.

The Moose surged to a 25-18 victory and re-energized the Senior Night crowd at Palmer High School.

Morfe took over for the majority of the fourth game. Arlow repeatedly found her teammate along the net for a blistering spike. When Arlow was not setting up Morfe, she was using her own creative methods to give the Skyview defense problems. Arlow’s attempted to score on the “no-look” by gently setting the ball to the other side of the net behind her back when the defense is under the impression she will pass to a hitter.

Arlow met her match on Friday, though. Skyview’s Rebecca Egan bested Arlow with 32 assists to her 27.

The final game was close with Skyview leading late 20-18.

Following the break in action, the Knights could not put together a valid attempt at scoring and their hopes of a fifth game evaporated.

Hill finished with 13 kills to lead the Panthers.

Skyview will wait until the region tournament for their next action, where they are seeded second. The Panthers only region loss this season was to Wasilla, which finished undefeated against conference teams and seeded No. 1.

Palmer 3, Homer 0

Palmer followed up with an easy win Saturday over the Homer Mariners at Palmer High School. The Moose outscored the Mariners by 27 points over the three-game sweep, 25-10, 25-11, 25-18.

The first game started off close until Palmer junior Sarah Scoresby busted it open with three aces in a row, causing a Mariner time-out and beginning the lopsided victory.

Senior Rebecca Stella led the effort with nine kills. Stella and junior KaLene Smith each had four blocks. Palmer junior Jenna Arlow distributed 26 assists, allowing all but two Moose to score at the net.

Game two was another lopsided win, featuring multiple streaks upwards of five serves. If it wasn’t for an impressive defensive play from the Mariners, the Moose would have won the game without allowing Homer to get into double digits.

“We played Colony close in all three games last night,” said Homer head coach Elizabeth Trowbridge. “We’ve figured out how to play at a high level, we just haven’t figured out how to finish.”

The Moose became somewhat complacent in the third game, but played well enough to handle Homer. Both teams advance to the region tournament at Skyview this week, where Valley teams have three of the top four seeds in the region.

Tim Rockey is a senior at Palmer High School who also writes for the Frontiersman’s Sports section.

JV Showdown pictures!

2010-10-29T16:53:00.000-07:00

http://http://matsusportsphotos.com/Sports/Volleyball/WHS-JV-Showdown-10-20-2010/14291505_peX8t#1057206951_NLZuX

Sports : Moose notch narrow victory - Frontiersman

2010-10-29T09:37:00.000-07:00

Sports : Moose notch narrow victory - Frontiersman

By TIM ROCKEY
For the Frontiersman
Published on Thursday, October 28, 2010 11:27 PM AKDT

PALMER — The Palmer Moose used an all-around effort to notch a victory over cross-town nemesis Colony Knights Tuesday night. Avenging a loss to the Knights earlier this year, the Moose steadily gained momentum. Sophomore Jessica Dennis came up big along with a cast of Palmer Moose to edge past the Colony Knights 20-25, 25-17, 25-20, 26-24.

“Ball control is always the key” said Palmer head coach Steve Reynolds. “We just need to play error free volleyball.”

Junior setter Jenna Arlow notched a game-high 27 sets, solving Palmer’s ball control problems. Her 27 sets were spread across eight Moose hitters. All but two Moose scored kills.

Colony Sophomore Olivia Martin served a game-high 7 aces, causing the Moose defense problems all night. Shellina Irwin and Mary Klapperich led the team in kills. Irwin finished with 12. Klapperich had seven to go along with her team-high four blocks. Martin also lead the team with 15 sets.

Colony started the match off hot in game one. Martin opened up a lead with a serve streak of four, serving two aces in the process. The game stayed fairly even until Kathryn Mayer put the game out of reach for the Moose with her own serve streak of four. The Knights’ serves paired with sloppy play from Palmer resulted in a 25-20 first game victory for Colony.

The Moose would settle down in a big way. With Kendal Venzke, KaLene Smith, and Rebecca Stella serving streaks of four, the Moose built a strong lead.

The momentum swung quickly in game two. Jenna Arlow went far out of bounds and made a leaping one-handed save on a ball that would eventually turn into a point for the Moose. Fittingly, Arlow then stepped back to the service line to attack the Knights from there.

Sophomore Jessica Dennis caught fire in the third game. Dennis tallied five kills and two of her game-high five blocks. Dennis’ hard hits gave the Moose something to compete with those of Colony senior Shellina Irwin.

Palmer senior Kendal Venzke added seven kills, playing through a pulled quadricep.

With defeat staring them dead in the eye, the Colony Knights fought back. Senior Laura Maresh built an early lead for the Knights.

Irwin would fight for her final Palmer-Colony game with 6 game four kills. Fellow Senior Tess Forstner would add four.

But the Moose would chip away throughout the game until it was dead even. With the score 24-18, Colony Sophomore Allison Leigh, most often noted for her blocking prowess, rattled off six straight points from the service line to put the Knights back in the hunt.

The Knights comeback was denied by Senior Chantel Grover.

“It’s pretty big” said Grover. “We played them to five games and lost by two last year, so it was really good to come back this year and win.”

The Moose are coming off some tough matches last weekend. Palmer split with South Anchorage and went to three games with Dimond.

The Moose host Skyview and Homer this weekend. Colony plays Homer tonight.

Tim Rockey is a senior at Palmer High School who also writes for the Frontiersman’s Sports section.

Jersey's

2010-10-28T12:02:00.000-07:00

We will be collecting the cteam and JV jersey's immediately after the game on Friday night and Saturday morning. No, you do not need to wash them. Yes, we know they probably stink.

Make sure you bring an extra shirt to change into, or you will have to borrow one :)

Midnight Sun Tryouts

2010-10-26T09:31:00.000-07:00

November 6: for those playing on their high school C and JV level teams
JV players will be from 9:00am to 11:30
C team level players will be 12:00 to 2:00Please arrive early to be processed.

November 20: for those playing on their high school
Varsity level team 10:00 to 1:00

AVA Tryouts

2010-10-26T09:25:00.000-07:00

CTeam & JV Players:
C14, JV Silver or JV Gold
Tyouts Sun Nov 7th 2:30pm-5pm @ Eagle River HS
Mon Nov 15 6:30-8:30pm @ AT&T Sport Ctr Wasilla/Palmer
Open to players currently playing at a HS C/JV team level

Varsity Players:
JV Gold, Varsity Silver or Gold & Feb Travel Team
Tryouts (U17 Las Vegas?)Wed Nov 17 6:30-8:30pm @ AT&T Sport Ctr Wasilla/PalmerSat
Nov 20 2:30pm-5:30pm @ Mirror Lake Middle, Peters Creek
Open to players currently playing on HS JV & Varsity level

2010-10-21T11:29:00.000-07:00

2010-10-21T11:28:00.001-07:00

Great job to jv and cteam this week in their end of season tournaments. JV finished second and cteam finished 1st!! Well done! Pictures to follow.

2010-10-20T14:45:00.000-07:00

JV plays at 4:30 and then 5:30 today.

Cteam plays at 5:30 and 6:30 today.

Go support your teams! :)

No practice on Thursday and Friday for cteam and JV.

Varsity Dimond/Service Tournament Schedule

2010-10-18T09:33:00.000-07:00

Friday @ Service
2 game to 25

5:00 vs Eagle River
6:00 vs Seward
7:00 vs Ketchikan
8:00 vs South

Saturday
Bracket play, best 2 of 3.
Earliest possible start time 9:00am
Latest possible game starting at 5:30pm.

JV Tournament Schedule

2010-10-18T09:27:00.001-07:00

Monday
Pool Play
1 game to 25

4:30 vs Colony
5:00 line/score duties
5:30 line/score duties
6:00 vs Su-Valley

Tuesday
Pool Play
1 game to 25

4:30 vs Houston
5:00 line/score duties
5:30 vs Wasilla
6:00 vs Grace

Wednesday
Bracket play, best 2 out of 3.
First games start at 4:00 with the last possible games starting at 7:00.

Weekly Schedule

2010-10-05T09:35:00.000-07:00

So the blog is being wierd and wont let me update our schedule, but in case you didn't know, Palmer plays Wasilla on Friday @ home.

Cteam 4:00
JV 5:00
Varsity 6:30

Good Luck!

2010-10-04T11:22:00.001-07:00

Sports : MOOSE SPIKED - Frontiersman

2010-10-04T11:22:00.000-07:00

Sports : MOOSE SPIKED - Frontiersman

By Micah Villanueva
For the Frontiersman
Published on Friday, October 1, 2010 4:08 AM AKDT

PALMER — Coming off a solid fourth-place finish at the West High Spectacular, it would seem the Palmer Moose had all the momentum coming into Thursday night’s match against Cook Inlet Conference powerhouse Chugiak. Unfortunately for the Moose, that wasn’t the case.

In a non-conference match-up at Palmer High, the Chugiak Mustangs defeated the Palmer Moose 3-1(25-19, 21-25, 25-19, 25-18), rolling to a victory over the defending Northern Lights Conference champions.Chugiak improved to 13-4 overall on the season, while the Moose dropped only their second regular season loss of the season.

Chugiak dominated the match defensively, countering each Palmer attack with a disciplined and tight formation, which would lead into devastating hits by the Mustangs’ Laila Hansen, who led all players with 12 kills. Palmer, who faced a similar attack last week against Wasilla, simply had no answer.

“We’re still working on our overall game,” Palmer head coach Steve Reynolds said. “Serve, receive, passing.”

The Moose started strong, beginning the first game with a 4-0 spurt. But from there, things started to roll downhill.

Chugiak capitalized on Palmer mistakes, scoring points at ease on the Moose, and they carried that momentum through the first game and into the second.

But the Moose wouldn’t give up without a fight.Trailing 5-4 in the second game, Palmer went on a 13-2 run to take a lead they would never relinquish in that second set. At that point, Chugiak put its foot down. Through the hard hitting of Hansen, the Mustangs dispatched the Moose in the next two games, taking the match.

“We did well at making plays come together,” Palmer senior outside hitter Kendal Venzke said. “There were just lapses on the serve-receive that made it difficult for the offense.”

Despite the loss, the Moose are not too concerned as they head into this weekend’s NLC matches on the Kenai Peninsula.

“It’s early in the season, so we’re still working on our offense,” Reynolds said. “We’re not too concerned about who we’re playing and what they are doing.”

Still, Palmer has a bit riding on its upcoming matches, contests that will help determine where the Moose sit in the NLC standings.“We have to work on shortening our lapses … and pushing through to the end,” Venzke said, referencing the mid-match collapse.

West Spiketacular Recap

2010-09-27T13:52:00.000-07:00

Varsity spent the weekend in the West High gym getting lots and lots of volleyball action. Friday night and saturday morning they played in pool play, and Saturday afternoon they were seeded in the gold bracket.

The girls placed 4th in the 20 team tournament. Well done!

West Spiketacular

2010-09-26T13:22:00.000-07:00

West Spiketacular Schedule

2010-09-20T10:22:00.000-07:00

Varsity plays at the following times:

Friday:
Pool Play
12:00 vs. Colony
1:50 vs. East
6:25 vs. Barrow
7:20 vs. ACS

Saturday:
Pool Play
9:00 vs. Juneau
11:45 vs. ACS
12:40 vs. West

Saturday:
Bracket starts at 3:00 with the last possible game starting at 6:00

Anchorage Daily News

2010-09-17T09:24:00.001-07:00

Palmer 3 Colony 1
Palmer's Kendall Vanzke and Morgan Morfe each recorded 13 kills Tuesday in a 21-25, 25-13, 25-14, 25-20 home win over Colony.
Jenna Arlow set up the offense for the Moose, notching 28 assists, and Chantel Grover led the defense with seven digs.
Colony's offensive leaders were Shellina Irwin and Allison Leigh with 13 kills apiece, Mary Klapperich with eight kills and Olivia Martin with 22 assists. The defense was anchored by Irwin's nine digs and Klapperich's six blocks.
placeAd();
Read more: http://www.adn.com/2010/09/14/1454809/chugiak-3-east-0.html#ixzz0znx3cp71

Sports : Moose spike rival Knights - Frontiersman

2010-09-17T09:20:00.000-07:00

Sports : Moose spike rival Knights - Frontiersman

Moose spike rival Knights

BY TIM ROCKEY
For the Frontiersman
Published on Friday, September 17, 2010 12:33 AM AKDT

PALMER — The Palmer Moose used a variety of weapons to wear down Colony and improve to 4-0 in Northern Lights Conference play with a 3-1 (17-25, 25-23, 25-14, 25-20) win over the Knights at Palmer High School on Tuesday.

Palmer underclassmen Lilly Cullers sent the Moose on one of their bigger momentum swings of the match, serving for nine straight points during the win over their rival.

“She was clutch,” Palmer head coach Steve Reynolds said. “She was serving with pinpoint accuracy. She was hitting all her spots. I havn’t seen that out of her yet.” Cullers picked up two aces on three concecutive short serves to the Colony front row. To get the home crowd excited, Palmer’s Rebecca Stella made an outstanding diving hustle play to keep the streak alive.

Mary Klapperich ended the run with a powerful block. Klapperich finished with a team-high 12 kills. Klapperich and fellow sophomore twin tower Allison Leigh teamed for five blocks, wreaking havoc for Moose hitters throughout the match.

After losing the second game, Colony bounced back strong in the third set.

Colony senior Shellina Irwin used a unique underhand serve for a streak of three points during the final game. Irwin, who typically hits the ball with a high velocity, sported sort of an ironic twist to her game with the underhanded attempts. Reynolds said, overall, a key was containing the Colony senior.

“She plays great defense,” Reynolds said. “We want to keep the ball away from her.”

Irwin, Leigh and Klapperich weren’t enough for the Knights though. After catching the Moose off balance in the first game, Palmer slowly got back on track. After battling through a tough second set, Palmer found it’s rhythm.

Junior Morgan Morfe helped spark that momentum with five of her team-high 13 kills in the third game. Morfe wasn’t the only Moose player in on the action. Palmer setter Jenna Arlow spread the wealth around, finishing with 28 assists in the win.

Five Moose had at least four kills in the victory.

The Moose stay undefeated with the win, but Reynolds stressed the need to continue to improve.

“We have Wasilla coming up, and the West Spiketacular,” Reynolds said. “We’ll get a lot of work on the whole team thing. We have so much to prepare for, so much stuff to work on,”

The Knights fell to 1-3 with the loss.

“We’re struggling at this point, so we’re hoping tonight is the turnaround point,” Colony head coach Amy Carter said.

Colony served well, picking up four aces spread throughout the team during the game, but just like during its loss to Wasilla last week, unforced errors led to the Knights’ downfall.

Colony will try to rebound tonight against Chugiak. The Knights host the Mustangs at 4:30 p.m. at CHS.

Tim Rockey is a senior at Palmer High School and contributes to the Mat-Su Valley schools and sports sections.

Update:

2010-09-16T09:21:00.001-07:00

Bus leaves at 12:00 today!

ACS on 9/16/10

2010-09-15T09:38:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to each team last night in their win over Colony.

We play ACS on Thursday 9/16/10. The bus will leave PHS at 1:00pm. Meet upstairs. The games are scheduled at 3:00, 4:00 and 5:00.

Kodiak Information

2010-09-02T14:17:00.000-07:00

The bus leaves from PHS Friday morning at 7am. Do not be late. Your coach will tell you what time they would like to see you at the school. Again, do not be late, we wont miss the plane just for one person.

What should you bring? ONLY THE ESSENTIALS!!!
Both jerseys
Spandex
Both Shoes
Both Kneepads
Both Ankle braces
Coat
Sweats
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Hairties
Pillow
Sleeping bag
Money
I think that's it. Make your own list. I could have forgotten to mention something.

Pack light. This is a one night trip. If you pack to much, we might make you leave half of it at the school. :)

As for the money- you should need $20-$40. You'll have to buy two days worth of food. If you bring snacks, you can get away with bringing less money.

We play Friday night and Saturday Afternoon. We will be back to PHS around 11pm Saturday night.

Sports : Defending champs return to court - Frontiersman

2010-08-27T11:49:00.000-07:00

Sports : Defending champs return to court - Frontiersman

By Jeremiah Bartz
Frontiersman
Published on Monday, August 23, 2010 9:47 PM AKDT

PALMER — Just as he did in each of his first 10 years at the helm of the Palmer volleyball program, head coach Steve Reynolds is entering the 2010 season with a few questions.

There are a few players who Reynolds can quickly ink into the starting lineup. But it may take time until he can pencil others in. Reynolds is still wondering how to replace a few of his valuable graduated seniors who helped Palmer win the 2009 Northern Lights Conference title, and is curious how his Moose will fare in the upcoming Chugiak Invitational.But Reynolds said there are also things the longtime Moose mentor is very confident about

“I really like this group as a whole,” Reynolds said Monday. “It’s a real nice, cohesive group.”

If Reynolds and the Moose aren’t able to find that perfect mesh immediately, Palmer shouldn’t panic. Last season, Palmer overcame a slow start, peaked at the end of the season and beat rival Colony for the NLC title.

Leading the charge this season is a group that includes senior outside hitter Kendal Venzke.“She does a lot of nice, quiet work,” Reynolds said. “She’s not a flashy player, but her whole game is real solid.”

Venzke is joined in the senior class by Chantel Grover. Setter Jenna Arlow, outside hitter Morgan Morfe and middle blocker Kalene Smith are juniors returning to the varsity squad.

Arlow earned a wealth of setting experience as a sophomore and will be the unquestioned court general this year, Reynolds said.“She’ll be our quarterback,” Reynolds said. “She’ll be running the show.”Junior middle blocker Kasara Brandenburg and junior setter Anna Koehn, who were promoted from the junior varsity squad before the NLC tourney last season, also return.

Palmer graduated a pair of first-team all-conference players in Nicole Cherrier and Brittany Arlow. Reynolds said it’s been difficult finding a replacement for Brittany Arlow, the team’s libero in 2009.“She’s a tough one to replace,” Reynolds said. “We’re trying out some different people.”Reynolds’ squad will have an opportunity to hit the court again this weekend during the Chugiak Invitational at Chugiak High School.

Palmer begins pool play in the Chugiak Invitational Friday at 2:50 p.m. against defending state champion Dimond.The Moose start the 2010 NLC season Sept. 3-4 at Kodiak.Contact Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.

Pictures from the Frontiersman

2010-08-27T11:41:00.000-07:00

Palmer Jamboree

Sports : Moose sweep Houston to open regular season - Frontiersman

2010-08-27T11:38:00.000-07:00

Sports : Moose sweep Houston to open regular season - Frontiersman

Published on Thursday, August 26, 2010 11:49 PM AKDT
PALMER — The Palmer Moose opened the 2010 season with a 3-0 (25-11, 25-9, 25-6) win over the Houston Hawks Tuesday at Palmer High School.Junior Morgan Morfe led the Moose with seven kills, while senior Chantel Grover added six. Jenna Arlow collected 18 assists and six aces for Palmer.Samantha Dodds had a pair of kills for Houston.

Palmer is one of three Valley squads that hit the court for the Chugiak Invitational, starting today at Chugiak High School. Wasilla and Colony are also among a dozen teams competing in the two-day tournament.

Chugiak Invitational Info

2010-08-23T09:22:00.000-07:00

Friday
Palmer Plays:
2:50 vs Dimond
4:30 vs Wasilla
6:10 vs Bartlett
7:50 vs Eagle River
9:30 vs South

Saturday
Bracket Play:
Tournament scheduled to start at 9am with the last game starting at 2:00pm

Friday's Jamboree Schedule

2010-08-19T12:00:00.000-07:00

Varsity - See Below

JV @ COLONY
4:00 vs Colony
5:00 vs Wasilla
6:00 vs Houston

C-Team @ Wasilla
4:00 vs Colony
5:00 vs Wasilla
6:00 vs Houston

Varsity Jamboree Schedule

2010-08-18T11:36:00.000-07:00

Day One: August 20

#1 Houston #2 Wasilla #3 Valdez #4 Palmer
#5 Colony #6 Grace #7 ACS #8 Cordova

Time Court 1 Court 2
2:30 1 V 2 (5) 3 V 4 (7)
3:00 5 V 6 (2) 7 V 8 (1)
3:30 2 V 4 (6) 1 V 3 (5)
4:00 6 V 8 (2) 5 V 7 (1)
4:30 5 V 4 (7) 1 V 8 (2)
5:00 7 V 3 (1) 2 V 6 (8)
5:30 1 V 5 (3) 8 V 4 (7)
6:00 3 V 6 (8) 7 V 2 (4)
6:30 7 V 1 (3) 4 V 6 (5)
7:00 3 V 8 (4) 5 V 2 (6)
7:30 4 V 1 (2) 6 V 7 (8)
8:00 2 V 3 (4) 8 V 5 (6)
8:30 4 V 7 (8) 6 V 1 (3)
9:00 8 V 2 (1) 3 V 5 (4)

Day 2:

Seeded after the first day. Play starts at 9:30am with the last game starting at 2:00pm.

Practice Times This Week - Updated

2010-08-16T10:43:00.000-07:00

Cteam 2:30-5:00
JV- 4:45-6:45
Varsity 4-6

TURN IN YOUR MONEY & PAPERWORK!!

2010-08-13T09:12:00.000-07:00

If you haven't turned in your paperwork, physical and money. BRING IT TODAY!!!!

Reminder:

2010-08-12T10:54:00.000-07:00

Parent meeting today at 6:00.

Info for Next Week

2010-08-06T22:24:00.001-07:00

It was great to see you all at open gym this week. I hope you had a good time. Now moving into tryouts and the season, here is the information you will need:

Monday: Tryouts fresh/soph 2-4
Tryouts junior/senior 2-4

Tuesday: Tryouts fresh/soph 2-4
Tryouts junior/senior 4-6

Wednesday: Tryouts fresh/soph 2-4
Tryouts fresh/soph 4-6

Thursday: Cteam practice: 1:00-4:00
JV practice: 4:30-6:00
Varsity practice 4:00-6:00
6:00 Mandatory Parent meeting

Friday: Cteam practice 1:00-4:00
JV practice 4:30-6:30
Varsity practice 4:00-6:00

Saturday: Everyone: 3:30-5:30

Make sure you have your paperwork and money turned in. See you Monday.

Open Gym

2010-08-01T14:27:00.000-07:00

Don't forget!

Open gym at PHS, Wednesday & Friday 6-8.

Bring anyone who likes to play volleyball!

Summer Camp Over

2010-07-29T09:40:00.001-07:00

Last night concluded our summer camp. I really did enjoy both groups all summer and I looked forward to wednesday nights. Their was a lot of improvement across the board, from the 8th graders to the seniors. Dont forget- you can always keep practicing at home! :) I hope you got a lot out of it. We will see you at open gym!

Tryout Information

2010-07-16T09:42:00.000-07:00

Tryout Information:
August 9th, 10th, 11th

Freshman/Sophomores – 2-4pm.
Juniors/Seniors – 4-6pm.

Bring your paperwork which can be found in the front office and the $100 sports fee. Anyone who qualifies, can get information about a reduced fee when they get their paperwork at the front office. (office will be open in August)

Remember- Open Gym: Wednesday Aug 4th 6-8, Friday August 6th, 6-8.

Recap of the Sand Tourney

2010-07-14T10:34:00.000-07:00

I went in and watched the sand tournament in anchorage this last weekend. There was a good turnout of 16 teams. Five of the teams had Palmer players and alumni on them. Morgan & Kendal were the only Palmer pair to match up and play together. They did real well and I think they had a good time. Jordan and Zoe, who played for Palmer in 08, paired up and hit the court. They did pretty well, but once they were out, challenged Morgan and Kendal to game and they duked it out all by themselves with the youngest Venske reffing their game.

I'll mention Stella too, even though she isn’t a Palmer kid, because we see her every week at our Palmer camp. She played well and took a solid 3rd place, which was a nice improvement over last time. Well done!

Kasara was there with a friend from Anchorage, I was only able to see a bit of them playing, but I heard about her bball camp down in Stanford and how she saw Foluke Akinradewo standing on the side of the court watching. If you don't know who that is, I suggest googling her. Amazing player for Stanford a couple years ago. Its to bad Kasara didn't go say hi to my friend John for me. I'm sure he would have like that.

Tiffany Secoy, who played for Palmer in 03, made her sand debut with a decent finish in bracket play, while Emily Sakis who played in 02, won her second straight sand championship.

Sand Tourney Pics!

2010-07-14T09:59:00.000-07:00

Team: Morgan Kendal

Team: Zoe/Jordan

Morgan & Kasara

2010-06-28T15:35:00.000-07:00

If you haven't already, go check out Steve's blog, he's actually writing on it again. :)

Steve Sez

Summer Camp Reminders

2010-05-26T10:18:00.000-07:00

Ok a couple things to remember:

1. Use the downstairs door, by the football field.
2. Don't be late, or you'll get locked out. If you're running late, call my cell phone before 4:30 so we can watch the doors for you after we start.
3. If you dont have your paperwork and money turned in, make sure you bring it.

Summer Camp - Updates

2010-05-20T15:10:00.000-07:00

Updated:

Group 1 will meet from 4:30-6:30 it is typically filled with incoming freshmen, and sophomores.
Sophomores we are moving you to the older group - refer to Group 2 times.

Group 2 will meet from 6:30-8:30 this group is for the more experienced players, typically juniors, and seniors.

Both groups meet on the following dates:
May 26 June 2, 9, 23, 30 July 7, 14, 21, 28

When you arrive at Palmer High School you will need to drive (or walk) around to the back side of the building by the football field. The lower back door is the one we will be using all summer. If you get confused, or lost, call Jayme's cell phone.

Palmer High has security now so if you are late you may find yourself locked out so please be on time. If you know you are going to be late, or if you find yourself locked out, call Jayme's cell phone before the practice starts.

Beach Tournaments

2010-05-11T09:26:00.000-07:00

Alright, the schedule is out for the beach volleyball tournaments this summer. They take place at Springer Park, 3809 arctic blvd, Anchorage, AK.

Dates:
June 12, 2010
July 10, 2010
July 24, 2010
August 7, 2010 ***
August 14, 2010

Tournaments start at 10:00, $15 per person, USAV members get a $5 discount.

***Juniors Championships:
Divisions:
14 & under
16 & under
18 & under

Volleyball Video 2009

2010-05-01T15:44:00.000-07:00

A Few Updates

2010-04-26T11:59:00.000-07:00

We are working on getting some open gyms in May hopefully. I'll post it when we have dates and Steve will email you, so don't worry, you'll get the info.

Make sure you get signed up for the summer camp if you are planning on attending. Once a week all summer, except the week of June 16th. I think that means there will be 9 sessions, and its only $125 this year. All you need to do to sign up is email Steve (his email is listed on the right hand side if you dont have it) and tell him you want signed up. Its easy and you can do it right now since you're already on your computer.

I guess thats it for now. I'll be seeing you all soon!!

Poll Results

2010-02-11T09:27:00.001-08:00

Will you play in a beach volleyball tournament this summer (Anchorage)?

Heck Yes!
4 (80%)

Maybe, we'll see.
1 (20%)

Nope.
0 (0%)

Total Votes: 5

Open Volleyball Tournaments

2010-02-05T12:07:00.000-08:00

Two Volleyball Tournaments in March

March 6th - Open, this is a tournament for anyone who wants to play. It will have reverse coed rules which means you can have up to 2 guys on your team, but they can't jump, so no blocking or hitting for them. However, if you don't have any guys on your team that's fine too.

March 7th - Youth (high school girls)

Team fee is $275 if you get signed up before Feb 22nd, $300 if you sign up after Feb 28th.

If you want to play and need help finding extra players, let me know and I'll see if I can help you out.

Sports : Menard Sports Center new home of prep volleyball tourney - Frontiersman

2010-01-21T09:31:00.001-08:00

Sports : Menard Sports Center new home of prep volleyball tourney - Frontiersman

Posted using ShareThis

By Jeremiah Bartz
Frontiersman
Published on Saturday, December 26, 2009 6:41 PM AKST

WASILLA — Palmer head coach Steve Reynolds admitted he was surprised when he first learned Palmer High School would be hosting the 3A and 4A state volleyball tournaments at the Curtis C. Menard Memorial Sports Center starting in 2010.

But the longtime Palmer head coach wasn’t sure what surprised him more — the reality the state’s biggest tourney would be in the Valley or the fact that the event would no longer be at West Anchorage High School.“It’s been at West High for so long, and Bartlett before that,” Reynolds said. “I thought it was pretty monumental that they moved it at all.”

But earlier this month, thanks to some quick work by officials at both Palmer High and the Menard Sports Center, the Alaska Schools Activities Association Board of Directors awarded a three-year bid to PHS to host the tourney at the Menard for the next three years.

“It’s cool to see it move a little bit,” Reynolds said. “The Valley is definitely growing and has some facilities it didn’t used to have. It’ll be cool to have it out here.” Palmer High School activities director Jeff Thiede said Tedman Allen, a city of Wasilla and Menard Memorial Sports Center recreation coordinator, called him just days before the ASAA’s bid deadline to gauge Palmer’s interest in hosting the tournament.

Thiede said he was hesitant at first, fearing the overall cost of hosting the tournament at the Menard. But after Matanuska Telephone Association agreed to sponsor the event to help out with the rental costs, Thiede said the school submitted its bid.

Thiede said everyone was on board — the school, booster club and officials at the sports complex — but everyone was still unsure about the likelihood of the event finding a home in the Valley.

“Everybody didn’t think we’d get it because West had it for years,” Thiede said.

But Palmer was awarded the bid, and Thiede now believes the opportunity will be beneficial to the school, the sports center and the sport.

Thiede said a pair of volleyball courts — one for 4A action and the other for 3A action — will be temporarily set up inside the Curtis C. Menard II Memorial Arena, which is typically home to the Alaska Avalanche Junior A hockey program and local high school hockey teams.

“This truly makes it a multisport facility,” Thiede said. “It showcases what they have to offer.”

The arena sits about 2,100 people. Both Reynolds and Thiede feels the layout of the Menard could also be more fan-friendly than that of West High.

At West, the bleachers are perpendicular to the court and fans are often behind the action. At the Menard, the courts will be set up parallel with the bleachers.

“No one likes to watch volleyball from the back, especially from low and behind,” Reynolds said.

Thiede also said the Menard provides ample locker room space for the teams.

The other unique aspect of the partnership, Thiede said, is Palmer High hosting an event in Wasilla.

“This is showcasing the Valley,” Thiede said.

The Menard has been home to the ASAA state hockey championships for the last two seasons, and Wasilla High School will host the state hockey tourney at the facility again in February.

In addition to hockey, the Menard has also hosted the Alaska state freestyle and Greco-Roman tournaments in the past.

Randomness

2010-01-19T10:21:00.000-08:00

Just a quick hello, there is not much going on right now that is blog-worthy.

Many volleyball players are in the middle of their basketball season right now. I've read some articles in the Frontiersman and it sounds like they're doing awesome. Nice job girls. I heard that Jaimi Cox had a bad knee injury and I'd like to wish her a speedy recovery. We were all sorry to hear about that.

Other girls are playing AVA and hopefully getting a lot out of it. I know our team gets a lot of repetition in the 2 nights week meet each week. Remember, club volleyball is what you make it. If you show up, work hard and try and get lots of reps, you'll come out a better player. I've seen some of you in the gym playing and it looks like everyone is having a good time.

As of now, we are planning to do the summer camp again this year, we'll have more details in a month or so, but it will be similar to last year. Once a week in the gym all summer.

If anyone would like to play open gym volleyball, give me a call or an email and I'll try and get enough people together to have an open gym at AT&T.

Have fun!

Stanford Trip

2009-12-12T23:57:00.000-08:00

Ok, I don't even know where to begin.

Lets start at the begining. I am in California, about 3 miles away from Stanford University. I came down here with my mom to see Stanford play in thier regional tournament. Out of 64 teams, they were in the final 8. Unfortunetly, Friday night they lost to Michigan. It was a fantastic game though and I took lots of pictures. They are posted on the blog, check them out!

So Saturday night we went and watched the championship game. Hawaii vs. Michigan, well during the intermission, I went over with my "Alaska Loves Stanford" sign and SAT NEXT TO JOHN DUNNING! Yeah thats right, I went right up to the Stanford coach and said "Hello, I was wondering if you would sign my sign?" Well he did and my mom and I talked to him for a bit. Turns out the guy has been to Palmer before. I felt a bit like Kasara getting an autograph from the UAA girls. :) Well after that I didn't concentrate on the game as much but Hawaii won in 3. They are moving on to play Penn State in the final 4.

Banquet

2009-11-15T19:25:00.000-08:00

The volleyball banquet is this Wednesday (11-18-09) at 6:30. It is a potluck so everyone is required to bring a main dish. See you then!!

Frontiersman's Athlete of the Week!

2009-11-10T09:55:00.000-08:00

Prep STUDENT-ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Nicole Cherrier

Published on Monday, November 9, 2009 8:35 PM AKST

Palmer High School senior Nicole Cherrier has been named the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman Prep Student-Athlete of the Week.

Cherrier posted 13 kills to lead the Palmer Moose to a 3-1 win over the Colony Knights during the Northern Lights Conference Championships volleyball tournament at Wasilla High School on Saturday.

Cherrier, a Palmer co-captain, was also named first-team All-NorthernLights Conference following the tournament.

Cherrier has been Palmer’s unquestioned offensive leader as the Moose rebounded from early-season struggles and captured the conference title.

“She’s come a long way,” Palmer head coach Steve Reynolds said. “Even in the last two years, she’s just improved immensely.”

The Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman congratulates Cherrier on her

success.

Frontiersman Picture

2009-11-10T09:54:00.000-08:00

Straight from the Frontiersman:

2009-11-10T09:50:00.000-08:00

Set for state
By Jeremiah Bartz
Frontiersman
Published on Monday, November 9, 2009 8:35 PM AKST

PALMER — While the Palmer Moose will know a bit about their first-round opponent, Colony’s draw will be somewhat of a mystery when both Mat-Su teams hit the court for the ASAA/First National Bank 4A State Volleyball Championships at West Anchorage High School on Thursday.

The Moose, who beat Colony 3-1 in the Northern Lights Conference Championships at Wasilla High School last Saturday, face Dimond Thursday at 7:15 p.m.

Colony meets Southeast Conference champion Juneau-Douglas Thursday at 2 p.m.

It’s been only about two weeks since Dimond handed a 3-1 (17-25, 25-21, 25-19, 25-23) loss. Palmer head coach Steve Reynolds said the familiarity is nice, but regardless of how well a team knows its opponent, the players still have to execute.

“You still have to come out and perform,” Reynolds said. “You can have all the game plans in the world, but you still have to execute.”

Palmer played Dimond (14-4 overall, 11-3 in the Cook Inlet Conference) tough during the regular-season meeting. The Moose took the first set 25-17, and came within two points of forcing a fifth game. Reynolds said he feels there’s certainly room for improvement.

“It wasn’t one of our best outings,” Reynolds said.

But take away that loss, and Reynolds can see a very successful second half of the 2009 season. After early-season struggles, and a stretch of matches that includes losses to Valley rivals Colony and Wasilla, the Moose surged.

The Moose steadily improved, and climbed into the second spot of the NLC North with wins over the Knights and Warriors.

Palmer also beat West Valley and Chugiak late in the season. West Valley is the Mid-Alaska Conference champion and Chugiak won the CIC.

Even after the Dimond loss, Reynolds said he wanted to stress to his players that they deserved to be on the same court as the top squads in the state.

“I wanted them to know they’re certainly capable,” Reynolds said. “They don’t have to play out of their minds to beat the top teams in the state.”

When Colony takes the court against Juneau, the Knights won’t know much about the Bears. But head coach Amy Carter knows Juneau is typically one of the better teams in the state every year.

“Juneau is always good,” Carter said.

Other than that, the Knight will be going in fresh.

Juneau did finish 10-2 overall and 6-0 in the Southest Conference, according to ASAA.

The Bears had to rebound in the double-elimination Region V Volleyball Championships at Mt. Edgecumbe High School last weekend.

The Bears fell to Ketchikan 3-2 in the first round of the Region V tourney, according to the Juneau Empire. But thanks to the unique format of the tourney, Juneau could use wins in consecutive matches to earn Region V’s lone berth to the state tourney.

Carter said the Knights usually see the Bears at some point during the seasons, but their paths did not cross this year. But without any preconceived notions coming in, Carter said it may benefit a Colony squad that has only two players with significant state tourney experience.

In addition to NLC rivals Palmer and Soldotna, Colony has also seen West Valley, Chugiak, Dimond and South this season.

The Knights swept West Valley in the Interior and played each of the Anchorage schools during regular-season tournaments.

Overall, like Reynolds, Carter is proud of the steady improvement of her team this season.

“I’m very pleased with where my team’s at,” Carter said. “especially when compared to where we were at in the beginning of the year.”

The steady progression of each program led to a meeting in the NLC final.

It marked the fourth time since 2003 that Palmer and Colony had met for the conference crown. The rivals also met in the 2003, 2004 and 2007 title matches. Palmer beat Colony 3-2 in 2003 and 2007. Colony swept Palmer 3-0 to win the 2004 NLC championship.

Palmer’s win on Saturday also marked the seventh straight season that Palmer or Colony had won the region title. Palmer won the championship in 2003, 2007 and 2009. Colony finished first in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2008.

This season also marks Palmer’s ninth trip to the state tourney in the last 10 years. Colony has advanced to the state event in each of the last seven seasons.

Contact Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.

Club Volleyball

2009-11-10T09:12:00.000-08:00

Club season is right around the corner. Tryouts are November 15th at Mirror Lake Middle School.
click here for the flier. Or you can visit the AVA Website to get all the information you might need. AVA is working hard on recruiting the best coaching staff around so you will be sure to get a great coach no matter which team you're on.

Remember- You'll only get as much out of it as you put in. If you go in thinking, I'm going to improve no matter what, you'll generally improve. If you go into club season thinking, well my coach is crap I didn't have much fun last year, then that's what you'll get out of it. It is all about you and the effort you're willing to put in.

State Bracket

2009-11-09T16:14:00.000-08:00

If you want to take a look at the state bracket Click Here Palmer plays Dimond in the first round and then South or West Valley second.

Pictures from the Frontiersman - Regions

2009-11-08T15:49:00.000-08:00

Sports : Moose work way to top - Frontiersman

2009-11-08T15:42:00.001-08:00

Sports : Moose work way to top - Frontiersman

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By Jeremiah BartzFrontiersmanPublished on Saturday, November 7, 2009 10:46 PM AKST

WASILLA — The 2009 season has been a work in progress for the Palmer Moose.Throughout early-season struggles and mid-season slumps, Palmer continued to work. And on Saturday, the Moose showed their progress.Palmer scored a 3-1 (25-27, 25-17, 25-17, 25-21) win over Valley rival Colony in the title match of the Northern Lights Conference Championships volleyball tournament at Wasilla High School.

“We were a really new team at the beginning and we struggled. But throughout the year we just came together, and we did it,” Palmer senior Nicole Cherrier said after the match. “I’m just really proud of my team.”

The Moose rebounded from a tight, two-point loss in the first game of the match, and won the following three sets to capture Palmer’s second NLC title in three years and third since 2003.

Winning in that fashion was appropriate for a Moose squad that found itself losing early in the season, but gaining confidence and momentum as the year went on.

“It took a while for things to come together. We spent at least half of the season figuring things out,” Palmer head coach Steve Reynolds said. “We lost a bunch in the early-going, people were frustrated.”

Palmer led by as many as four points early in the first set of the match, and three points late, but Colony used a late rally to win the first game 27-25.

That first-set win could have set the tone for the Knights, but the Moose muscled back. “Everybody has ups and downs, it’s just a matter of how you bring it back up in the next game,” Palmer senior Brittany Arlow said.

And with a balanced attack on offense and Arlow leading the way on the defensive side of the floor, the Moose were able to steadily march to the title.

“They play real well as a team,” Colony head coach Amy Carter said. “They just played steady the whole match and kept to their game plan.”

Cherrier led the Moose with 13 kills in the game. Junior Kendal Venzke added 11 and senior Mallory Manier chipped in eight.Sophomores Jenna Arlow and Morgan Morfe combined for 12 kills in the win.

“We got real good production for all of our hitters,” Reynolds said. “It was a real nice balance.”

Brittany Arlow led the Moose defensively with 19 digs. Senior Jaimi Cox stood out in front of the net, with a season-high six total blocks.

Led by the likes of Cherrier, Venzke and Manier, Palmer was able to build significant leads in every game of the match.

Palmer led by as much as eight points in the second game, seven in the third and five in the fourth. But in every game, the Knights chewed into the advantage.“I was real proud of the girls for fighting back every time,” Carter said. Senior Siobhan Johansen, who was named the most valuable player of the NLC North following the tourney, led Colony with 32 assists and five blocks. Senior Sierra Hodgson posted a match-high 14 kills. Shellina Irwin added nine kills and Brittany Brown added eight. Katie Gonski led CHS with 18 digs.

Palmer’s third title in seven years also marked the third meeting between the Moose and the Knights in the past six NLC championship matches. Palmer and Colony also met in the 2004 and 2007 conference title matches. Palmer edged Colony 3-2 in 2007 and the Knights swept the Moose 2-0 in 2004.This also marks the seventh straight season that either Palmer or Colony has won the NLC title. The Knights won the conference tournament in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2008.Skyview was the last non-Palmer area team to win a NLC volleyball title, scoring a 3-2 win over Palmer in 2007.

The Moose and Knights also earned automatic berths to the upcoming ASAA/First National Bank 4A State Championships. Palmer is headed to state for the ninth time in the last 10 seasons.Soldotna earned the final NLC berth with a 3-0 (25-21, 25-21, 25-21) win over Kodiak in the third-place match Saturday afternoon. That contest was actually a rematch of a first-round meeting. On Thursday, fourth-seeded Kodiak upset top-ranked Soldotna, the conference’s lone undefeated team during the regular season, 3-1.After a 3-0 loss to Palmer in the semifinals Friday, Kodiak pulled off another upset Saturday, beating host Wasilla 3-1 in the 9 a.m. match.

The Warriors were eliminated from tourney play with the 3-1 (25-17, 25-16, 17-25, 26-24) loss.Soldotna moved into the third-place match with a 3-1 (22-25, 25-17, 25-13, 25-21) win over Kenai and 3-0 (25-23, 25-17, 25-13) victory over Skyview.

Contact Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.

All-Northern LightsConference
NLC North MVP: Siobhan Johansen, Colony
NLC South MVP: Shana Powell, Soldotna
Coach of the Year: Bruce King, Soldotna

First-team All-NLC:Sierra Hodgson, Colony; Jaxon HIll, Skyview; Nicole Cherrier, Palmer; Emily Rohloff, Soldotna; Mara Yatsik, Kodiak; Mariah Huhndorf, Kenai; Brittany Arlow, Palmer; Aryn Crane, Wasilla.

Second-team All-NLC:Jessie Erickson, Homer; Emily Horn, Kodiak; Sariah Tuisaula, Wasilla; Casee Penrod, Skyview; Jenna Arlow, Palmer; Mariah Hamilton, Soldotna; Monica Hutchinson, Skyview; Lexi Beeson, Kenai.

Good sport team:Gaynor Johansen, Colony; Carla Muller, Homer; Lierin Flanagan, Kenai; Karly Sternberg, Kodiak; Danielle Pempek, Palmer; Jaci Lamborn, Skyview; Jasmine Woodland, Soldotna; Kaitlin Pevan, Wasilla.

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