By George, Ferris Gives Lc A Lesson In Volleyball

“Now then,” the well-wisher said to Amy George, “aren’t you glad you turned out?”

George admitted that, yes, she could grow accustomed to this volleyball stuff.

Just don’t expect her to stay away from the basketball court whenever Ferris volleyball practices are over.

George finished with eight kills, eight digs and three aces Wednesday as Ferris (2-0) dominated visiting Lewis and Clark 15-8, 15-8, 15-6 in GSL volleyball.

The defending champion Saxons have yet to allow more than eight points in a league game.

LC (0-1), considered one of the strongest challengers in the GSL chase, was outscored 25-4 from early in the second game until late in the third.

George and fellow seniors Janelle Morrisette and Missy Blackshire generated much of the offense. Until right before the school year, however, George hadn’t decided if she would play volleyball again.

First and foremost, George is a basketball player. Ranked as one of the state’s top prospects, she hones her skills playing pickup games at Sta-Fit Racquet and Athletic Club, mainly against boys.

Ferris volleyball coach Stacey Ward naturally expressed concerns about George practicing hard in volleyball one moment, then playing hard in basketball the next.

“I think my heart’s with basketball,” George said. “I like volleyball, but my love is basketball.”

With summer fading and tryouts approaching, Ward finally pressed George for a decision.

“So I told her I didn’t want to miss out on going to state (again),” George said. “I decided I could make time for basketball, too.”

George’s fall class load is four, so she has time for homework before volleyball practices. After practice, there’s often time for hoops.

Morrisette, who had 22 assists, joins George during basketball season but prefers volleyball. She’s a Division I prospect.

Blackshire, who could probably play any sport she wanted, has already given Washington State volleyball coach Cindy Fredrick an oral commitment. Blackshire had a match-high 10 kills and a pair of blocks in the second game to ignite a 9-0 run. Elissa Ross and Katie Lee served during the spree.

“I think what’s really nice about this team is we have so many options,” said Ward, who worked 13 of her 14 players into the match. The 14th had a sprained ankle and wasn’t cleared to play.

LC’s serve receive suffered all match, as Ferris recorded nine aces. Ward, using a baseball metaphor, equated a broken-down serve receive with looking into the bullpen and discovering Omar Olivares.

“Miss Ward told us to serve deep into the holes, then on the next serve try to mix it up,” George said.

LC’s returning all-leaguer, Erin Naipo, had five kills. Freshman Meghan Sanborn, whose cousin Jessica led Mead to third place at state last year while Ferris was placing sixth, added three blocks.

Ferris junior Julie Weatherred also had three blocks to go with her six digs and five aces.

The GSL’s other matches were also 3-0 outcomes, with Rogers (1-1), Gonzaga Prep (1-0) and Shadle Park (1-0) picking up wins.

Angel Fairbanks totaled 10 kills and four blocks in Rogers’ 15-8, 15-12, 15-13 decision over visiting University (0-1). Allison Fryer led the Titans with 13 kills and six blocks.

At North Central (1-1), Shawna Millersmith’s nine kills and Rose Sacco’s 26 assists led all players as G-Prep won 15-9, 15-12, 15-2. Beth White led the Indians with 24 assists and four blocks.

Michelle Etter’s 10 kills, four digs and two blocks guided Shadle to a 15-6, 15-1, 15-5 victory over visiting Mt. Spokane (0-2).

GSL girls soccer

U-Hi knocked off preseason favorite Ferris 3-2 as GSL teams began their three weeks of nonleague matches.

Kara Jordan had one assist and one goal in the first 10 minutes to charge the host Titans. Ferris rallied as Megan Cummings set up two goals, but all-league returner Megan Black scored at 60 minutes to snap the tie.

Shutouts were otherwise the theme of the night.

Jessica Dinneen scored three times in LC’s 6-0 decision at Rogers. Jeanine McNalley assisted on Dinneen’s second goal, then scored 11 minutes later for a 4-0 edge.

At G-Prep, the Laura Oliva-to-Tara Hertel connection resulted in two goals early in the second half of the Bullpups’ 6-0 win over NC. Haley Cooper and Danielle Mirabell traded off scoring and assisting for Prep’s final two goals.

Angie Foedisch scored a pair of first-half goals as visiting Central Valley won 5-0 to spoil the first match in Mt. Spokane history.

At Shadle, Natalie Kehl scored once - giving her five goals in two days - to help Mead to a 3-0 win.

, DataTimes