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Lady Whalers punch ticket to state

November 11th 7:17 pm | Van Williams Print this article   Email this article   Create a Shortlink for this article

Hilary Lowery will admit it. There was a point this volleyball season when things didn't look so good for the Barrow High School team.

The Lady Whalers were inconsistent and playing like six strangers.

"We really hadn't played like a team all season," Lowery said.

But when it mattered most they got on the same page, and now the Whalers are going back to the state tournament.

Barrow beat Nome in four sets Saturday night in the consolation championship match of the Western Conference tournament in Kotzebue, snagging the region's second and final berth to the ASAA Class 3A State Championships this week in Wasilla.

"The difference was that we played as a team. Not as individuals," said Lowery, one of the Barrow players making their second trip to state in as many years. "I knew we could make it."

The victory was especially sweet considering that the Whalers had lost to Nome only a day earlier. What's worse, they lost after winning the first set.

Dillingham beat Nome to claim the region title, knocking the Lady Nanooks into the consolation final against Barrow. This time the Whalers flipped the script, losing the first set only to march back and win the next three.

"Our coaches are always talking about 'You gotta have to have heart to do this,' " Lowery said. "This whole season we really didn't play with much heart ... so I guess we just finally we really wanted it."

Lowery joined Barrow senior Jalene Kanayurak on the all-tournament team, recognized as the best players.

Lowery, an outside hitter, was explosive on offense and enjoyed a big weekend at the net.

"I just went all out," she said. "Everyone keeps telling me to let loose."

Arguably the most versatile player, Kanayurak played sensational at setter and outside hitter after convincing coaches to let her play at the net.

"She's just really awesome," Lowery said.

Other Barrow standouts included Lynette Hepa, Paige Bowen and Angela Miguel.

The Whalers will need everybody's best at the state tournament.

In Thursday's first round, Barrow will face Southcentral Conference champion Grace Christian of Anchorage.

Van Williams can be reached at sports@reportalaska.com.

Western Conference Championships

All-Tournament Team

Kristin Smeaton, Dillingham

Jalene Kanayurak, Barrow

Devynn Johnson, Nome

Taylor Palmaranz, Nome

Mary Ruud, Nome

Acaisa Walton, Dillingham

Diane Nelson, Kotzebue

Kira Polk, Bethel

Tiera Schroeder, Dillingham

Hilary Lowery, Barrow

 

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