Fort takes Lee in 4

FORT DEFIANCE — The Fort Defiance Indians volleyball team is quickly learning that a first-place district ranking brings much more than just accolades and high praise. That distinction also earns you the best shot your respective opponent can bring at you and that is exactly what they received from Robert E. Lee on Monday night.  And once again the Indians were up to the challenge, defeating Lee in four games 25-15, 25-20, 16-25, 25-8.

Behind hitters Kendra Scott and Victoria Williams, Lee let the Indians know early that they were in for a fight as halfway through the first game Fort held a slim 12-10 lead. Fort senior Becca Houff helped widen that margin with three kills that turned the momentum and pushed the Indians to a Game 1 win.

Game 2 saw Lee fall behind big 18-9, but they responded to go on an 11-5 run that pulled them within three at 23-20. Fort would score the next two points, however, taking the victory and going up 2-0. Kacey Kiser came through big in the game with ten service points, helping her team take the commanding lead.

With their backs against the wall, the Lee Ladies played an inspired third game, battling Fort to a 14-14 tie before going on an 11-2 run to win the game. Scott and Williams again led the charge as Scott recorded three kills and two blocks in the game while Williams contributed 11 points.

While Game 3 showed the heart and character of an improving Lee team, the fourth game revealed to all how dominant the Indians can be when their focus matches the level of talent on the floor. Fort rolled to a 25-8 clinching victory that saw Houff and fellow senior Katie Dunsmore lead the way controlling play at the net while classmate Morgan Bell added seven service points in the game.

Both coaches learned something about their squads in an intense game that was only a precursor to what the Southern Valley holds as it enters the home stretch.

“I expected us to come out stronger than we did tonight,” Alexander said. “We just weren’t as focused as we should have been, but we put it all together in Game 4. Hopefully we learned that we all have to play as a team on every single point, no matter the score or situation.”

Lee coach Ruth Shaia saw what her team could do when it plays consistent volleyball.

“Fort is a really good team and my girls saw tonight what they could do against a good team when they play consistent volleyball like we did in Game 3,” she said.

Kacey Kiser led Fort with 15 points. Jordan Leake had 30 assists while Houff and Dunsmore had nine kills apiece. Lee was led Williams with 11 points and seven kills. Scott had a match-high ten blocks.

Fort won the J.V match in three games 25-15, 25-12, 25-10.