It’s been a rapid fire opening to the season for the Pierce Bears against some top-notch competition, and while they haven’t always come out on top, they put forth a solid effort despite coming up short in their two opening matches.
Pierce started last week off on Aug. 16, taking Gridley to four sets before ultimately falling 6-25, 25-18, 22-25, 11-25.
Setter Jamie Figueroa dished out 13 assists, as six Bear hitters registered multiple kills to lead the attack.
In the back row, Macey Myers made 13 digs and 22 service receptions, while Hailey Regnani registered 12 and 13, respectively.
Playing the following evening, the Bears gave visiting Orland everything it could handle before succumbing 18-25, 25-16, 22-25, 30-28, 7-15.
While Pierce struggled in serve-receive, they got a solid effort on the attack from Regnani, who landed a game-high 10 kills.
Kallie Stassi, despite being undersized for a middle, disrupted the Trojan hitters, while additionally serving for a game-high eight aces.
Recording a double-double in the match was Figueroa, who handed out 14 assists and made 12 digs.
In spite of the loss, Coach Lisa Burnum was pleased with her team’s performance, saying, “I’m very proud of them. They are tenacious, resilient and always keep a positive attitude. I think tonight their legs may have given out after playing two nights in a row in this heat.”
The home matches were just the beginning for the Bears, who concluded last week at the 2nd Annual Chico Panther Tournament, where they went 2-3, topping league rival Willows, along with Eureka, while falling to Franklin (Elk Grove), Maria Carrillo (Santa Rosa), and Gridley.
This week doesn’t get any easier for Pierce (2-5), who was in Sutter on Tuesday night,
home to Woodland tonight, and will return to Sutter for the Battle in the Buttes Tournament on Saturday. ■