by Annie Crowson
In the first home match of the season, the lady Crusaders were committed to a clean sweep without any room to deny their talent. Last year, this same matchup was a toss-up, with EC barely winning each set by 2 points. And that win came with the help of ’23 Bella Meyers, who led the team in kills and digs last season. So this time around, Coach Forney hoped to fill Meyers’ shoes, and thankfully, those hopes were soon fulfilled as a handful of Crusaders stepped up to carry the torch.
Standout Junior Avery Merritt secured her first double-double of the season with 12 kills and 14 digs, accounting for 35% of her team’s 34 kills. As the sets continued, the chemistry on the court increased, and Junior Lola Togia totaled 28 assists allowing Eastside Catholic to pull away from the Lynx. As a team, they put together 53 receptions, 30 assists, and 11 total blocks.
This early in the season, it is hard to predict how the teams will progress, but EC is starting on a solid foundation and looking onto next year, the starting lineup for EC will remain intact besides senior libero Ella Bode.
Up next for the Crusaders is a trip to Lakeside Lions for their first away game of the season. Looking back at last year, Lakeside swept EC in three sets late in the season and went 17-0 in district play. It is safe to say the lady Crusaders have their work cut out for them. On the other hand, Lincoln is looking to upset West Seattle in their next match up.
Featured Image credit: Eastside Catholic School
