This season the Auburn Mountainview volleyball squad vows to continue doing what it does best – win.
Under the helm of Momi Bowles since the program’s inception in 2005, the Lions have been a steady force. They’ve battled their way into the state 3A volleyball tournament in each of the past four seasons.
The Lions were 19-5 overall and 7-1 in the South Puget Sound League 3A last season, good for second place. They finished 1-2 at state, beating Columbia River and falling to Bishop Blanchet and Lakes.
Auburn Mountainview will try to take the next step by placing at state, something the Lions have yet to achieve.
To accommodate its quest for success, Auburn Mountainview will look to a strong core of returning starters, led by 5-foot-5 junior libero Alex Odren and 5-6 sophomore setter Sam Odren, both second-team All-SPSL 3A selections. Also back are All-SPSL 3A honorable mentions Caitlin Carr, a 6-0 junior outside hitter; Kelsey Fausko, a 6-1 junior middle hitter; and 5-7 junior hitter Courtney Schroeder, who found her way into the starting lineup during last year’s postseason run.
According to Bowles, the Lions appear solid despite the loss of all-league first-teamer Lexi Morton and outside hitter Tricia Patton.
“We’re looking to fill an outside and a middle spot, but the rest of the team is set,” Bowles said.
Captains Kelsey Fausko and Jamee Cappa will direct the show.
“The team picked them inadvertently,” Bowles said. “We did a handout, listing leadership qualities and traits, and they fit most of them.
“Kelsey is a 6-1 middle (hitter) with excellent movement on the court,” Bowles continued. “She is going to have a lot of mobility for us to run different things to open up our other hitters. Off the court, she’s a very well-balanced kid.”
Bowles also praised Cappa, who will come off the bench this season.
“One of the things that we’ve done at Auburn Mountainview is the actual play on the court never factors into being a leader,” Bowles said. “(Cappa) is the one working hard on every play, practicing hard and getting to games early. We really just value other things beside the physical play.”
Senior Alex Odren also will play an instrumental role.
“She is a four-year starter and will be in our libero (defensive specialist) spot,” Bowles said. “She’s in charge of a lot of our ball control. We’re hoping that she shines.”
Offensively, Fausko and Carr will provide firepower.
“They will carry the majority of the offensive load,” Bowles said. “With that responsibility, they will have to get crafty and smart to succeed.”
Bowles is pleased with her team’s approach to the new season.
“What makes this group special is how they’re playing together,” she said. “Everybody seems on board. Last year we didn’t feel as cohesive.”
The Lions, which began play last week, will host the Puget Sound Adidas Invitational, featuring 24 teams from around the state, today and Saturday. The Lions begin SPSL 3A action at Peninsula on Sept. 23.
