MAXWELL — The first non-league match of the 2021 high school volleyball season is in the books as the Lower Lake Trojans fell 25-16, 25-4, 26-24 to Maxwell High School on Monday evening in Maxwell.
Just one week removed from its first practice of the season, Lower Lake didn’t have much time to prepare for its season opener, but there were flashes of solid play, according to head coach Cayla Knapp.
“They’re progressing,” Knapp said of a Trojans roster that features four seniors, three juniors, two sophomores and a freshman. “They’re coming together as a team. They had a lot of energy, which is great to see. They are definitely driven. The girls worked hard, really hard. We’re excited.”
Bella Salazar led the Trojans with five kills, Sam Edrich had a team-best five aces, and Avery Adamcyk led Lower Lake with six assists.
“Bella had a great presence on the court as a leader,” Knapp said.
Kyleigh Mock also played well in defeat, according to Knapp.
“Aggressive play all the way around, passing and at the net,” Knapp said. “She played in the front and back rows.”
The Trojans, who scrimmaged Kelseyville and Middletown last week in Lower Lake, have only the one non-league match against Maxwell to prepare for their North Central League I opener Aug. 24 at home against Middletown. League play is opening earlier than ever because of a new 16-match league schedule that was brought on by the addition of Roseland University Prep (Santa Rosa) to the NCL I this year.
“We keep improving with each practice,” Knapp said of the Trojans. “I see a very bright future for us.”
Maxwell also won the junior varsity match 25-17, 25-23.
