Hard-hitting Lady Bulldogs aim to blast their way through divisionals
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ST. IGNATIUS — The Mission Lady Bulldogs are planning to hit their way to the state tournament.
With most of last year’s front row intact, third-year Mission coach Kendal Anderson thinks her team has a good chance on improving on last year’s 12-14 record and fourth-place finish at divisionals.
“If ever there was a year for us to make it to state, this would be the year. The girls think that, too. We just can’t take it for granted. We need to keep our heads on straight and continue to work and improve,” Anderson said.
With senior Adessa Durglo anchoring a front row that includes senior Sierra Scott and junior Jen Larsson – who both spent time on the Lady Bulldogs’ starting rotation last year – there’s little doubt what the Lady Bulldogs’ strength will be this year.
“Our girls want to hit. That’s all they want to do. We definitely have some solid hands on the team,” Anderson said.
Durglo, who owns Mission’s high jump, long jump and triple jump record, is one of the Lady Bulldogs that has been putting in a lot of work during the offseason. Anderson said with Durglo’s vertical leap and her sessions with University of Montana’s Amy Roberts, Durglo should have a stellar year.
“It’s just a matter of getting her (Durglo) set up with the right setter. If we match her up with the right setter she’s going to be pretty powerful,” Anderson said. “All-state powerful,” she added.
Anderson said that she is planning on Scott to become a more all-around player this season and will move her around in the rotation, including time on the back row. Scott has a powerful hit, but is also her harshest critic, and became timid after making a mistake last season. This year, Anderson wants Scott to keep hitting the ball no matter what.
“When she hits the ball, she really hits the ball,” Anderson said.
Larsson will move to the middle of the row to help fill the void left by Rachel Jensen. Larsson improved throughout her sophomore season and Anderson expects her to continue her maturation.
“Jen (Larsson) definitely found herself at the end of last season. She was definitely lighting it up at districts and divisionals,” Anderson said.
Last year, Ashley Courville was forced to be the Lady Bulldogs setter, but with last year’s junior varsity setter Sarah Bowers moving up to varsity and Loren Erickson and transfer Stephanie Lewandowski showing promise at the position, Courville won’t have to be so one dimensional.
“She’s (Courville) just an amazing hitter and has a great vertical leap. We’ll be using her a lot more. She’ll move all around and play on the front row and back end,” Anderson said.
With the departure of libero Katie McDonald and back row players Jasmine Gilleard, Bella Dally and Dalena Weaselhead, the Lady Bulldogs have a lot of holes to fill on defense.
Mackenzie Trudeau will help anchor the back row. Trudeau saw a lot of playing time last season and is solid on defense. Anderson said she also has a strong hit from the back row and isn’t sure what position to put her in to best utilize her abilities.
Anderson will have a lot of options to fill her back row. She said this is one of the most solid teams she has ever coached and she is having a hard time narrowing her squad to 12 varsity players.
With the departure of McDonald, the Lady Bulldogs will have to find a new captain. Anderson said that she has several candidates.
“I know the drive and want is there. It’s just a matter of waiting and seeing who will step up,” Anderson said.
The Lady Bulldogs will start the season by hosting a tourney Aug. 28.
