Volleyball is ready for battle

By Matt Phelps
Mercer Island Reporter

The Mercer Island girls’ volleyball team has enjoyed great success during the past three years including two eighth-place finishes at state. But the team has not won the league title since 1999. Head coach Dino Annest knows that he has the team and the experience to reclaim a KingCo banner for the high school gymnasium.

“We have it all,” said Annest. “We have not been this well rounded since ’99.”

Essentially, the team has a two-week jump on almost every team in the league, since nearly every starter will return.

“We have five and a half rotations back from last year,” said Annest. “We don’t have to figure out where to put people. We can just jump right in and start to work.”

The positions on the floor are set and the Islanders have few, if any, holes. Two-year starting setter Amanda Nield will lead the offense, while Janelle Chow will also rotate into the setter position.

“Amanda has two years experience at state,” said Annest. “That is invaluable.”

Chow, whose athletic talent is anything but a secret anymore, utilizes her speed, quickness and power to be a double threat on offense.

“She is amazing to just sit and watch,” said Annest.

“We have a strong team with a lot of chemistry,” said Chow, who is a three-sport athlete, playing basketball in the winter and track and field during the spring. “But the experience is the biggest thing. I remember playing as a freshman, and it really helps to understand playing high school volleyball.”

Islander senior Abby Trimble, who is over six feet tall, will anchor the middle of the Islander defense. Trimble has been sidelined during the preseason workouts with a foot injury.

“I won’t be in for about half the season,” said Trimble. “It is a good chance for some of the younger players to get experience.”

But Annest knows what he will get from his anchor.

“She is one of, if not, the best blocker in the league,” said Annest.

Trimble has led the team in blocks three consecutive seasons and is an imposing figure for opposing defenses to figure out.

“We all think that this is our year because we are so loaded,” said Trimble. “But it is going to depend on how focused we are.”

Mercer Island will also have a new face in the middle: sophomore Sabrina Rasmussen will get some varsity playing time.

But the biggest advantage that the Islanders may have is their sense of camaraderie from two years of experience playing together.

“It’s the same leadership as last year, and we are hoping for more to step up,” said Annest.

Mercer Island will face its biggest threat in league play from Issaquah and long-time rival, Newport. Annest said that he thinks Mount Si and Skyline will also have strong teams with a chance to be in the mix at the end of the season.

“We always want to beat Issaquah and Newport,” said Trimble.

Annest said that along with the league championship, he would like to see his team take the next step at state and place in the top four. The girls want the state title.

“We have a solid team with five seniors,” said Chow. “This is our year.”