Dayton's front line tries to keep the pressure on Fallon during the first time the two teams met this season.
Dayton’s Lady Dust Devils (17-11 overall) have their eyes on defeating the Greenwave, as they move into the first day of the Northern 3A Regional Volleyball Tournament.
Coach Monica Halverson said they have a great team this year and a good chance for going to state. As the No. 3 team, she said they were consistent in their games and had lots of depth in their passing and hitters this season.
“I have a lot of high quality girls,” Halverson said. “They all have lots of talent.”
Dayton’s first match is tonight against Elko at 7 p.m. Halverson was confident about her team’s odds and was looking forward to a chance at taking on the Greenwave. The Lady Dust Devils won both of their games against Elko this year, 3-2 in their first game and 3-0 in the second.
“We know we can beat them (Elko), it just comes down to who’s there mentally,” she said, noting they could not get distracted and stop thinking ahead before acting.
The Lady Dust Devils have a good team this year. With eight girls returning from last year’s team, which went to state, Halverson is confident of their skill level. She especially noted Brianda Diaz, as a hard outside hitter, and McKenna Olsen for a great season. Olsen has racked up a career total of 260 kills and 25 aces – most of the kills coming from this season. Diaz has 193 kills and 39 aces, most from this season.
Senior setter Kallie Strong will also be a strong competitor with 343 assists under her belt.
The winner of today’s game goes on to face Fallon tomorrow afternoon to decide who goes to the championship round. Halverson is confident of her team’s abilities to go on to the next round.
“If they want it bad enough they’ll show it,” she said.
