Bonney Lake Volleyball: “Baker’s Dozen” aims for state berth

Published 4:01 pm Monday, August 31, 2009

Last season, the Bonney Lake Panthers missed advancing to the state volleyball tournament due to a loss to Camas in West Central District play.

But this season, Coach Shirley Baker returns a solid group of returners who could take the Panthers in their first state appearance.

Because the team has 13 members, they have named themselves the “Baker’s Dozen.”

“That was something the girls came up with because of 13 players on our squad,” Baker said.

Baker has four seniors back along with a host of juniors. Baker said her 2009 squad is the tallest team she’s had at Bonney Lake.

The Panthers will have a solid trio of hitters in senior Alli Hills (5-feet-9), junior Taylor Watkins (5-9) and sophomore Danielle Norton (5-8).

“We have girls who can hit from either side and down the middle,” Baker said. “They all have great leaping ability.”

Another junior, Erica LeFevers (5-10), will also see plenty of time on the court.

Senior Ashley Risen, one of the team’s best servers, is back.

“Ashley is a tough server who can put the ball anywhere on the court,” Baker said. “She reads the court well and has a variety of serves.”

Risen and sophomore Chelsey Merkel will share time setting up the offense. As a freshman, Merkel filled in as a setter when the starter was injured.

Liberos Karly Edwards, a 5-7 senior, and junior Bailey Kinkel are the Panthers’ defensive specialists.

Senior Natasha Lyonias (5-8) is back at middle blocker.

“Overall we are a good serving and passing team,” Baker said.

Last year, Sumner and Bonney Lake finished 1-2 in the South Puget Sound League 3A and Baker believes Lakes may be the top contender for this year’s league crown.

“We have a competitive league that is very balanced this year,” she said. “Lakes is returning everyone from last year’s state tournament team.”

The Panthers will open the season Tuesday at Franklin Pierce.