Huskies hammer Helix

HUSKY HUSTLE: Elgin’s Kim Graffunder collects a dig during a match against Helix Tuesday. - The Observer/PAUL HARDER

Elgin took care of the visitors in four games, 25-18, 25-14, 22-25, 25-17. But it was the way Huskies played that set their coaches’ mind at ease.

“We didn’t play very well at all last weekend,” Ivins said. “The girls got some venting out over the weekend, and now we’re back to playing well.

That’s what makes this group of girls so fun to work with.”

The Huskies missed one serve on the night, compared to the 10 missed serves five days ago.

Elgin jumped out to a quick lead in Game 1, not allowing a Grizzly kill until mid-way through the game.

“The effort the girls gave tonight was pretty amazing,” Ivins said. “They always seem to play well at home.

“The girls hustled for every ball. Bejia (Robbins) always picks up everything in the back, and some of the younger girls are playing with more confidence.”

The Huskies dominated Game 2, but a slow start in the next game prevented a sweep.

Elgin fell behind 3-0 in Game 4, but scored 11 of the next 12 points to pull away from Helix.

Tara Ludwig led the way with 10 kills and seven blocks.

Chantelle Malone finished with four kills.

Elgin (17-9, 4-2 BMC) will host Weston-McEwen (22-4, 6-0 BMC) at 5 p.m. Thursday.

Cove cruises with new coach

Darcy Johnson didn’t have a long time to get acquainted with her team, but it didn’t appear to matter.

The Leopards (3-7-3) swept their weekend schedule against Joseph and Wallowa.

“It’s a good thing I’m a huge fan of volleyball,” Johnson said. “I’ve been following the team. It wasn’t like I was coming in without any knowledge.

Johnson was the Cove head coach during the 2002-2005 seasons too.

“The girls handled the transition really well,” Johnson said. “We tried some different things, and they played great.”

Joseph swept Cove 25-14, 25-15, 25-10 Friday.

Saturday, the Leopards defeated Cove 25-16, 12-25, 25-11, 25-17.

Tierra Prince collected 14 kills over the weekend. She added eight blocks.

Jamie Murchison had three kills against Joseph, and Marlee Ausmussen added two kills.

Cove will host Powder Valley at 4 p.m. Friday.