Prep volleyball: Central Valley improves to 7-0 in GSL volleyball

New coach, new system, same old Central Valley.

The Bears (7-0) moved closer to their second consecutive Greater Spokane League volleyball title Thursday with a 25-20, 23-25, 25-21, 25-16 victory at Gonzaga Prep (4-3).

CV, after placing at the State 4A tournament last year, is under the direction of first-year coach Laurie Quigley.

“I think the thing that they’ve bought into really well is we’ve run a new defense,” Quigley said. “They’ve really bought in and want to play defense more than they did in August.”

Returning all-leaguer Keann White, who had 11 kills and eight blocks, has seen the difference.

“She’s one of the reasons we’ve been so successful so far,” White said. “I think we’re mixing up plays a little bit more, and I think our coaches have brought team unity to our team.”

CV starts seven seniors, which is a big boost according to senior Shelby Frank.

“I’ve played with these girls my whole life, since I was 10,” Frank said. “So it’s just like a tradition. It’s what we do.”

G-Prep, the preseason favorite for some GSL coaches, is still looking for continuity.

“I’m not OK with losing, obviously, but if we fight that hard, we’re fine,” coach Jill Benson said. “In reality, we’re still making the playoffs and just have to win a big match then. That’s how it is. One through four are going to battle every time. … We just need to be a little more consistent with our ball-handling. Every loss is mainly our side. It’s not really the opponent.”

Elsewhere in the GSL, University (6-1) stayed right behind CV as Rachael Schlect had 13 kills and seven blocks during a 3-0 sweep of visiting Lewis and Clark (3-4). Kendall Collins added 29 assists and two aces for the Titans. LC’s Jaclyn Lenhart had four kills and one ace.

Miahna Waters had 11 kills and Kaitlyn Streltzoff added four aces and three blocks as Mt. Spokane (4-3) posted a 3-0 sweep at North Central (1-6). Megan Dean led the Indians with 10 kills.

Great Northern League

Rylie Pease finished with 11 kills and five aces as Cheney (7-3) turned back host East Valley 3-1 to remain on Pullman’s heels in league play.

Jordan Phelan finished with 12 kills and Sydney Frogge had 16 assists and three aces for the Knights (4-5).

Elsewhere, Melissa Langerveld had 12 kills and three aces, and Logan Bledsoe added 15 digs as first-place Pullman (7-2) remained just ahead of Cheney after a 3-0 sweep over visiting West Valley (1-7).