The Bellevue College Bulldogs started their season strong with a 4-1 record, tying for third place at the Highline Tournament. The Bulldogs defeated the Umpqua Riverhawks in their first pool play game of the tournament 25-14 and 25-19. Outside hitter Laura Friar helped lead the Bulldogs to their victory over Umpqua with 9 kills and 8 digs. Middle blockers Jessicca Weitman and Samantha Minnig added 4 and 3 kills respectively. Bulldog libero Tiva Akau led the team with 14 digs.
In their second pool play match, the Bulldogs came back to win in three games over the Olympic Rangers, 30-32, 25-16 and 15-11. Minnig led the Bulldogs offense with 9 kills finishing the match with a .400 hitting percentage followed by outside hitter Lauren Zilke with 8 and Weitman with 6. Setter Krista Groves had 28 assists with 15 digs in the match.
The Bulldogs then went on to defeat Columbia Basin, 25-15 and 25-19, in their third and final pool play match. Minnig, led the pack with 5 kills followed by Friar and Zilke with 4 kills each. Groves had 14 assists.
With a 3-0 record and finishing first in their pool, the Bulldogs entered bracket play defeating the Wenatchee Valley Knights 25-17 and 25-18 in the quarterfinals. Friar finished the match with 10 kills followed by Zilke with 5. The Bulldogs advanced to the semi-finals falling short of the championship in a close match to the Spokane Sasquatch, losing in three 21-25, 25-22, and 11-15. Groves had 17 assists with 10 digs. Friar led the Bulldogs with 8 kills and 13 digs followed by Zilke and Minnig with 5 kills each. Morgan de Carteret was strong with the serve with 3 aces in the match. Zilke led the Bulldogs defense with 16 digs followed by Akau with 14.
The Bulldogs finished the tournament with two honors, Friar was named 1st team All-Tournament and Weitman was named 2nd team.
The Bulldogs are in action again Tuesday, Sept. 6th at home hosting a crossover with Green River and Mt. Hood. The schedule will be as follows 3:00 PM Bellevue vs. Green River, 5:00 PM Green River vs. Mt. Hood, and 7:00 PM Bellevue vs. Mt. Hood.
Last Updated January 27, 2014
