Cougs drop season closer to Butte
The Lassen Cougars Volleyball team played their final match of the 2022 season, facing off against host Butte College on Nov. 12. The Cougs dropped the contest in straight sets (25-14, 25-11, and 25-16). In the match up, both outsides for the Cougs, Josie Booth and Olivia Nord, finished with six kills apiece.
"Unfortunately this is not how we wanted to finish our season, but still doesn't take away from us having a record year," said Head Coach Amy Morris. "I'm proud of how hard our team worked this season, and how they have helped to set us up for future successes."
The 2022 volleyball team finished 12-12 this season marking the best start since 2014, and the best record since 2014. The conference record of 2-8 marks the best finish in conference since 2018. Olivia Nord was named to the GVC All-Conference team, marking the first time a player has received this honor since 2016. Olivia lead the Cougars offense for the season with 214 kills averaging 2.55/set, while being second on the team in digs with 3.68/set. Taysha Ortega was named to the GVC Honorable Mention All-Conference team, Taysha paced the team with 523 assists on the season averaging 6.46/set. Hannah McLauchlin was also named to the GVC Honorable Mention All-Conference team, Hannah paced the defense with 373 digs on the season averaging 4.44/set (26th in the state).
Next season looks bright, as the 2022 team helped set up the future for the program. Both Olivia Nord and Hannah McLauchlin will return for the 2023 season, in addition to Jasmin Churchill who was a key contributor both in the middle and on the right side. Taylore Somerville a starting middle will return as well. Somerville put up her best statistical matches late in the season. Also returning will be setters Molly Wright and Katelyn Sanchez who could play significant roles with the graduation of Taysha Ortega at the setting position.