There could be some upheaval in Northern Region 5A volleyball this year, with some of the usual favorites falling in their first league games of the season.

Reed defeated Bishop Manogue in four sets on Tuesday, but Douglas High turned things around and defeated the Raiders in five sets last Wednesday – 16-25, 25-17, 25-19, 20-25, 15-13.

Reno – the No. 1 seed in last season’s regional tournament – was defeated by Galena on Tuesday, potentially leaving the league without a clear favorite to enter the 2024 season.

After Wednesday’s five-set win, the Tigers will hope to play to their advantage in a league that may be a little more balanced than in years past.

“I know we’re getting better as we go along,” Douglas head coach Suzi Townsell said. “We know we have to play defense to win this year. We know we’re not the biggest team. I think we can do really well because they want it bad.”

Presented on the floor

Douglas’ defensive mentality will be centered around libero Sumer Williams, who returns for her final season after being named second-team All-Region last season.

Williams missed parts of last fall due to injury, but her impact was immediately felt in the win over the Raiders.

“Fourth-year starter who has only gotten better,” Townsell said. “She reads amazingly well.”

Three juniors – Hailee Koontz and MaKinzy Machado – will serve as middle blockers, with Peyton Simpson also spending some time in the middle of the court.

Anyone who is not used in the center will probably play on the right side as an outside attacker for the Tigers.

Parker Estes showed a strong serve at times against the Raiders and her head coach is convinced that she is also capable of building the team when needed.

“She brings this incredible energy to the stage,” Townsell said. “You can always use that person to push you.”

Juniors Emersyn Worthington and Lucy Keith will be of use to the Tigers as defensive specialists.

Kaitlyn Molyneux also played as an outside attacker on Wednesday.

Ella Girdner and Priya Kc will be the two setters for Douglas this fall, who alternated between having one or both on the court in the win over Reed.

“We wanted to mix it up a little bit. … Since we have two setters, the hitters only have to work with two setters. That really helps the hitters because they know what to expect,” Townsell said.

Sophomore Alexa Atkinson did not play on Wednesday but received a lot of praise from her head coach.

“She’s a dynamo. She’s a great underdog, but this girl is going to be a star. She’s so consistent in every part of her game,” Townsell said. “It would have been great to have her there tonight (Wednesday).”

AROUND THE NORTH

Townsell said it is always difficult to predict how the league will unfold in the first week of the season.

“We’re working on our mental strength. Wednesday’s win was huge compared to Tuesday night’s win,” Townsell said.

On Tuesday, the Tigers lost to McQueen in four sets. The Lancers started this season 8-1.

And then there’s Douglas’ rival from the north, Carson, who beat the Tigers in all three meetings last season.

The first meeting between Douglas and Carson is scheduled for September 17 in Minden.

DOUGLAS CADRE

Parker Estes, Sr.; Sumer Williams, Sr.; Emersyn Worthington, Jr.; Ella Girdner, Sr.; Alexa Atkinson, So.; Karly Newdigate, Sr.; Priya Kc, Jr.; Kaitlyn Molyneux, Jr.; Lucy Keith, Jr.; Payton Spohr, Jr.; Peyton Simpson, Jr.; Hailee Koontz, Jr.; MaKinzy Machado, Jr.; Kiyara Clark, Jr.

(Tiger junior Priya Kc sets up a ball against Reed on Wednesday night. Kc and Ella Girdner will be Douglas’ two setters this season. / Ron Harpin)