Undefeated Bears stop Bridgeport in three at home

Volleyball rivals meet

Bridgeport head coach MacKenzie Harmier speaks to one of her varsity players. MIKE MALTAIS/WARD MEDIA

Brewster’s Ximena Chavez gets under a Fillies’ serve while teammates Grace Becker, left, Maribel Perez (10) and Morgan McGuire (11) get into position for the return. MIKE MALTAIS/WARD MEDIA

Fillies’ freshman Xitaliq Gildo sets up a return at the net in front of junior teammate Jackelyn Soto (1). MIKE MALTAIS/WARD MEDIA

Net judge Jackie Hentges confers with the scorers’ table during a break in the action. MIKE MALTAIS/WARD MEDIA

The ball hangs above the net during the close second game of the set. MIKE MALTAIS/WARD MEDIA

A t-shirt recalls the Bears’ 2019 team that finished fifth at state. MIKE MALTAIS/WARD MEDIA

Posted Monday, October 2, 2023 11:39 am

MIKE MALTAIS / Ward Media Staff Reporter

BREWSTER – The visiting Bridgeport Fillies fell, 3-0, in their first league meeting against the host Bears on Tuesday, Sept. 19, but not before making Brewster earn a come-from-behind, 25-23 win in a hard-fought second game, and a close 25-21 third set victory.

The win puts the undefeated Bears in third place in Central Washington 2B standings behind Manson and Okanogan. The Bears opened their season with a 3-0 win against league rival Oroville at home Sept. 5. Remaining league opponents this season include Lake Roosevelt, Liberty Bell, and Tonasket.

Bridgeport at 0-3 stands in seventh place ahead of Oroville in league ranks.

“The Fillies battled the hardest I’ve seen them play thus far,” said head coach MacKenzie Harmier. “Although Brewster took us in three sets, both teams fought hard to earn the win.”

Harmier noted the play of sophomore Naya Luna turned in an excellent game with two serving aces, three kills, four blocks and four digs. Junior Jackelyn Soto had one kill and junior. Belen Bonel had four assists and one serving ace.

The Fillies have a young team of mostly sophomores and juniors this season while the Bears had four seniors and five juniors on the game program.

The Bears hosted Lake Roosevelt on Tuesday, Sept. 26, and will meet Manson, Thursday, Sept. 28, and Liberty Bell, Saturday, Sept. 30, on the road.

Bridgeport played at Liberty Bell on Tuesday, Sept. 26, and will play at Okanogan, Tuesday, Sept. 28, and at Moses Lake Christian Academy, on Saturday, Sept. 30.

League rankings as of Sept. 22:

Manson 3-0

Okanogan 3-0

Brewster 2-0

Lake Roosevelt 3-1

Liberty Bell 1-2

Tonasket 1-3

Bridgeport 0-3

Oroville 0-4

Mike Maltais: 360-333-8483, michael@ward.media