Volleyball

It was a perfect homecoming and senior weekend as Ramstein swept Vilseck in straight sets in a volleyball double header, continuing to build momentum for the European tournament semifinals at KMC next week and knowing that a victory would help solidify seeding. The coaches stressed leadership, focus and concentration throughout the week’s practices and it showed with a 25-21, 25-13, 25-23 victory in the first match and 25-20, 25-20, 25-16 in the second. The two teams had split earlier in the season.

The senior leadership kicked in when it was most needed after a lackluster performance two weeks ago. “We knew what we had to do and had a clear plan going into the weekend. We were ready from the first whistle,” said coach Kandel Baxter. “We were down in the third set but our girls kept focus, played smart, and stuck to our guns. Our serving and blocking was on point and our middles played their best games yet.”

Once again, the Royals were led by Gigi Stake with eight kills, Tamiya Bruce with seven kills and Lauryn Szczygiel with five kills and five blocks. Isabelle Coddington had 22 assists. In the second match, senior setter Isabelle Coddington shown  dishing out one of her 28 assists. Libero Lydia Coddington recorded 17 digs.

Their last tune up before Euros is at Black Forest Academy this weekend.

In the UK, Kaiserslautern defeated Lakenheath 25-18, 25-21, 20-25, 25-14, continuing to gain momentum down the stretch.

“I like the team, and program we are bringing in,” said Coach Aaron Scalise. “We still have room for improvement and need to face the defending champions, Stuttgart, this weekend to help finalize our roster. Yet, I like what we have and what we are continuing to build at Kaiserslautern High School. I truly like our chances.”