DOWNEY - The Downey High School girls' volleyball season has started and the Lady Vikings (2-1) have picked up right where they left off from last season.The Lady Vikings recently competed in the Molten-Gahr Invitational over the Labor Day weekend and their first game was against Moore league opponent Millikan at Mayfair High School last Thursday. The Lady Vikings won in three sets 27-25, 25-16 and 25-20. Downey was led by Joy Miley, Michelle Barba, Melody Burdette and Kimberly Schnars. Miley had 14 kills, Barba had 32 assists, Burdette had nine kills and Schnars had nine digs. The Lady Vikings earned their first win of the season in convincing fashion. The Lady Vikings then played South Torrance on Saturday and were defeated in four sets, three sets to one. The Lady Vikings then bounced back on Monday by defeating La Canada in four sets, three sets to one. Downey lost the first set 20-25 but rallied to sweep the next three sets 25-19, 25-17 and 25-22. Downey will keep playing in this Invitational as long as they continue to win. The Lady Vikings are gaining very important game experience and this experience will serve them well as they progress through the season. The Molten-Gahr Invitational championship match was played Sept. 5 (scores not available at press time) and the Lady Vikings are working hard to be one of those teams still competing. The Lady Vikings will open league play on Sept. 27 against Warren at home. This game against cross-town rival Warren will be the 3rd annual Dig Pink Breast Cancer Fundraiser.

********** Published: September 6, 2012 - Volume 11 - Issue 21