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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Ashlee Taylor Falls Christian Year: Junior Sport: Volleyball Position: Outside Hitter

Ashlee Taylor had been setting for the past two years, trying to fill the shoes of her older sister Tish, who was Falls Christian’s setter two years ago.

But no matter how hard she tried, the shoes just didn’t fit.

So she took them off and was given another pair, figuratively speaking.

The switch from setting to hitting put the Eagles on the road to state.

“I’ve got OK hands, but setting wasn’t really my thing,” said the 5-foot-6 Taylor. “We had an open gym over the summer and I did some outside hitting and really liked it.”

Taylor wasn’t the only one who liked the change.

“Ashlee started doing some great stuff and I thought ‘Wow, she’s a good hitter,”’ said coach Danica Belleque. “So I let her hit and it’s the best decision I’ve made concerning this team.”

The Eagles (14-2) captured the A-4 District I championship Saturday by going 3-0 and winning in two games each time.

“We were virtually playing textbook volleyball,” Belleque said. “We only had five serving errors out of 42. They were doing what I’ve been teaching them all along. Executing exactly when they need to execute.”

Taylor recorded 20 kills at district. She averaged eight kills per match and had a 93 percent serving efficiency during the season.

“Dedication and drive” were the words that came to Belleque when asked to describe Taylor.

“She loves competition and she’s always striving to be better,” Belleque said. “She’s very cool-headed and doesn’t let stuff rattle her very often.”

Although Taylor plays basketball in the winter, it will be volleyball she will pursue in her post-high school career.

“I’ll go (to college) anywhere I can play,” said Taylor. “I don’t want to go that far away, but if that’s what it takes to play volleyball, I would consider it.”

In the meantime, Taylor has her mind set on the state tournament, which begins Friday at Lewis Clark State College. FCA opens against Greenleaf Friends (17-2) at 10:30 a.m.

“These girls are very ready,” Belleque said.

Starting with Taylor.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color photo