MOSES LAKE — The Big Bend Community College Vikings continued through their preseason as they hosted their first game of the year against Highline. Despite falling in both matches, the Vikings feel confident as they inch closer to the regular season. 

“Highline’s a solid team, they have a great serve-receive and we did well,” said Vikings Head Coach Lindsey Linthicum. “We adapted to different situations, we’re still out a few girls and I’m still transitioning those that are coming back from injury. There’re still some adjustments that we’re still trying to make and adapt to.” 

The Vikings struggled in the first match as they fell behind by seven in the first set before their first score. As each set progressed, BBCC remained competitive but would ultimately fall 3-0 to Highline by the end of their first game. 

After a break, both teams got back onto the court for their second game of the day. This time BBCC came out much stronger in the first set as they maintained an early lead before falling 16-25. 

From there, Highline found their stride and managed to gain early leads in the second and third sets. The Vikings battled to the end of each set but would fall 3-0 at the end of their second game. 

“It’s tricky when you don’t have a full proper rotation lineup, but the girls, they’re showing they want it,” said Linthicum. “They’re showing that they’re going to get after it, they’re wanting to fight for it.” 

Preseason is the perfect time for her team to run into bumps in the road as it gives them an idea of where to improve ahead of the regular season, she said. 

“Just little things we’ve got to work on and I’m not even worried,” said the coach. 

Coming out of Friday’s matchup against a high-level opponent also helps build the mental fortitude of keeping their heads up in the face of adversity. As they continue facing similar opponents in the preseason, she hopes to instill in her players the idea that no team is unbeatable, said Linthicum. 

“I think that sometimes can happen is we get a little pulled back because we see it, but at the same time it’s like, take that challenge and go after it,” she said. “I think that’s the joy of how amazing volleyball can be, is the fight to get that win.” 

Heading toward their next few games before the official start of the season, Linthicum said she wants to work with her players on their blocking. In their games against Highline, there were multiple times where the opposition found a hole which allowed points to be scored. 

Along with this, she wants to focus on getting the serve-receive options faster. 

With just a few more games until the regular season, the coach said she feels each matchup has taught the team more about themselves and what they can accomplish this season. 

“For me it’s finding the right rotation that works, but for the girls, it’s just knowing that you can do it,” said Linthicum. “No matter the challenge, no matter the situation that you’re put in, you are capable.” 

The Vikings continue through their preseason as they host their alumni game Sept. 10 at 6 p.m. They then host the Big Bend Crossover the next day with games at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sept. 11 and 11:30 a.m. Sept. 12. 

GAME ONE 

BBCC: 10-9-x: 0 

HLNE: 25-25-x: 3 

GAME TWO 

BBCC: 16-11-9: 0 

HLNE: 25-25-25: 3 

    Haedynn Plum from the Vikings prepares to serve against Highline Friday afternoon.
  

    BBCC’s Ahtyana Afu sets the ball for her teammate to slam over the net against Highline during the preseason.
  

    Oaklee Woosley from Big Bend tips the ball back over the net Friday afternoon against Highline.
  

    Vikings’ Kaylee Lindley steps up to serve the ball during Friday’s game against Highline.
  

    Jah Chong from the Vikings connects with the ball to hit it over the net back towards the opposing Highline team Friday afternoon.