By Alex Benzegala
Panhandle Post
Alliance comes into the postseason tonight (Tuesday) with a 15-16 record as they look to clinch a spot in the District Final as they face 19-9 Gering at 4 pm. Alliance is currently ranked 13th in the RPI, and has played Gering six times this season, winning the last two meetings. Alliance Head Coach Manda Clarke says that both teams are evenly matched coming in.
"It could go either way, I feel like it's whoever shows up to play and minimizes their errors and plays aggressively will win the match."
Gering is led by Alex Gonzalez Orozco, one of the top liberos in the state who is 9th in Class B in digs. Freshman Jacy Cochran and Jaxie John are a force offensively, with Cochran 9th in Class B and John 13th.
Alliance will look to the leadership and fire power of all-time great Jaelynne Clarke, who enters tonight match 2nd in Class B in kills with 423 and is also 3rd in the state with digs with 510. Haylie Winter looks to provide leadership in the back row defensively from the libero position, while Kinley Pfeiffer aims to get the offense going from the setter position.
If the Bulldogs beat Gering, they will then play Scottsbluff at approximately 6 pm. Pregame coverage of Alliance volleyball begins at 3:45 with first serve at 4, if the Alliance wins KCOW will have that match as well. Tune in to KCOW at 92.5 and 1400 am and online at KCOW – THE HOME OF JASON WENTWORTH IN THE MORNING (kcowradio.com)