Evanston continues to make strides

Senior seter Hailey Barker returns to action after being sidelined with injury

Josh Hall
Posted 9/22/17

The Evanston High School volleyball team has continued to improve this season.

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Evanston continues to make strides

Senior seter Hailey Barker returns to action after being sidelined with injury

Posted

EVANSTON – The Evanston High School volleyball team has had to face some adversity this season with injuries and long bus rides to away games.

The Lady Red Devils will spend 30 hours on a school bus during the next three days, but despite those obstacles, head coach Tera Lawler has continued to see an upward climb from her team.

“I keep telling them, ‘it’s not how we start the race, it’s how we finish,’” Lawlar said at practice on Wednesday. 

As of press time Thursday morning, the Lady Red Devils were 13-8 on the year and 2-1 in conference play. 

Evanston got some positive news on Monday when three-year varsity setter Hailey Barker was cleared to play after suffering a severe ankle sprain two weeks ago. 

“I was excited to get back,” Barker said on Wednesday. “I don’t really like watching. I like being on the court playing, helping out and being a leader.”

Evanston had an uphill climb in the Lady Red Devils’ match on Tuesday against Rock Springs during Barker’s return

But despite getting off to a slow start, Evanston came from behind to claim a 23-25, 23-25, 25-17, 15-11 win against the Lady Tigers.

Evanston, which trailed 7-3 in the final set, is now 13-8 on the year. 

Barker had 30 assists, nine digs and three aces, while libero Allysa Dean finished with 33 digs. Outside hitter Emmery Wagstaff had 15 kills, 18 digs, and two solo blocks to help pace Evanston.

Fellow outside hitter Ajahonna Archuleta finished with six kills, three digs and a solo block. Middle attacker Aspen Anderson also had six kills, with three solo blocks and three block assists. Hannah Ellingford, another middle attacker for the Lady Red Devils, tallied eight kills with three solo blocks and two block assists.

“I’m really proud of their fight,” Lawlar said. 

Evanston was back in action on Thursday at Riverton. The Lady Red Devils will then play at Jackson on Thursday.