With a young team heading into a highly-competitive environment for its season-opener, Douglas High first-year volleyball coach Suzi Townsell wasn't sure what to expect.
The Tigers came up with a gem of a weekend, going 7-1 in match play at the Las Vegas Invitational, defeating defending state champion and growing rival Damonte Ranch along the way.
"They really did an excellent job for their first time playing together," Townsell said. "They really had a lot of fun."
The highlight of the tournament for Douglas was topping Damonte Ranch in two games, holding the Mustangs to just six points in the first.
"That made their whole weekend," Townsell said. "The girls probably could have gone home right then and been happy."
But that was far from the only thing Douglas accomplished at the tournament.
The Tigers swept Moapa Valley, Eldorado, Pine View, Hurricane (Utah) and beat Green Valley and Centennial in three.
Douglas' seven consecutive victories to open the tournament propelled the Tigers into the semifinals against Durango, where they lost the first game 27-25, although a scoring error was likely to blame as Durango was given a point that should have gone to Douglas late in the game.
The Tigers came back and won the second game 25-21, but Durango prevailed in the third, 15-11.
"It was really a good start for us," Townsell said. "Our serve-receive was excellent all weekend. We got to see a couple of things that we can work on, but we get a week to iron out the kinks before our next match, so we are looking forward to that."
Junior Taryn Williams stood out all weekend, leading the team in kills and showing off a strong passing game.
Sophomore Jourdan Burke had a breakout weekend in her varsity debut.
"She'll be an excellent outside hitter," Townsell said. "She was right behind Taryn in kills."
Townsell noted libero Mary Lombino for her standout play on defense and setter Megan Mitchell was efficient dishing the ball out to her teammates.
Douglas will travel to Manogue Sept. 4 for a 6 p.m. match.
