Vikings shoot to the top of Far West League


Vikings setter Abby Watkins

The Siuslaw Vikings volleyball team is alone in first place in the Far West League, and 5-foot-1 Abby Watkins is a big reason why.

Tuesday, the senior setter played every point as the Vikings swept the visiting Brookings-Harbor Bruins at Glenn Butler Court, 3-2.

Siuslaw won by scores of 25-14, 25-12, 25-16. The win — combined with Marshfield's sweep of North Bend — put the Vikings atop the league at 3-0.

Thursday, Siuslaw hosts Douglas at 6:30 p.m.

"She's grown so much this year," Siuslaw coach Jon Hornung said of Watkins. "You can see her progression and her growth.

"She controlled the game better tonight, and it's fun to see."

As the primary setter, Watkins has taken the role that was filled for four seasons by Hannah Bartlett, who graduated last spring.

"We have an awesome team," Watkins said. "I'm beyond happy with the team. We have so many outside hitters, so many to chose from, and they're all so amazing."

Her middle blockers were pretty tough, too, with senior Elyssa Rose and sophomore Makenzie York tying for team honors with 8 kills each.

While the offense continues to improve, and the defense is a work in progress, team serving has been a steadying influence.

Tuesday, sophomore outside hitter Alyssa Richards put on a clinic, in sets 2 and 3, serving out the match with an ace and a service winner. Richards finished with a game-high four aces.

"Alyssa Richards' jump serving was awesome," Hornung said. "She had like six jump serves in a row."

Richards and the rest of the deep Vikings bench saw significant rotation time.

"To have every kid go in the game was cool," Hornung said, "and to reward them for the hard work they do in practice, to show them that it pays off. If you work hard, you're going to get in."

So every player got to go in the game, and come out of the game. Except their setter.

WATKINS SET ON WILLAMETTE?

Watkins not only played every point, and assisted on most of the kills, she also was the first server for the Vikings.

"I believe our whole team has awesome serving," Watkins said. "I do believe I am a strong server."

She's also a feisty backcourt player in basketball and a top performer in the long jump and sprints in track and field.

When Watkins graduates next spring, she should have three varsity letters each in volleyball and basketball and four in track and field.

Does she have a favorite?

"I've always liked track, but I think volleyball is starting to take my heart away," Watkins said. "I love it."

Still, it's track she wants to continue after high school. Her first choice is Willamette University, where she wants to train to be a dental hygienist.

But first things first. There's a volleyball season to finish, and the Vikings may be going places.

"We have so much potential on this team," she said. "We're hoping to go to state this year."

If they do, Watkins likely will be a big reason why.

NOTES

Douglas swept Siuslaw last season, winning on its home court 3-1 and at Siuslaw 3-2. ...

Douglas beat South Umpqua on Tuesday, 29-27, 23-25, 10-25, 25-15, 15-7 ... Marshfield beat North Bend 25-20, 25-23, 25-21. ....

After Thursday's match with Douglas, the Vikings will have only two remaining scheduled home matches, Oct. 4 vs. Marshfield and Oct. 13 vs. North Bend. ...