She could only describe it as surreal.
After four years at Division I Northern Arizona University, Durango’s Millie O’Ketter started her fifth and final year of college volleyball by returning to Durango High School. Northern Arizona University scrimmaged Fort Lewis on Saturday afternoon inside Durango High School so O’Ketter could have one last dance on a court she spent so much time on growing up.
“The only word that has come to my mind the past few hours is it was such a surreal feeling,” O’Ketter said. “I had never imagined going back to play at DHS. To play with all of my best friends that are currently on the team was such a rewarding experience. We learned a lot on the court and I wouldn't have wanted to have that experience with anyone else than my teammates.”
O’Ketter had a lot of support at the game including friends, family, past coaches and people she knows at FLC. She said being with her family and playing in front of them where she grew up was the most rewarding experience she’s had in her five years at NAU.
The scrimmage lasted five sets and NAU won four of the five. O’Ketter said FLC was a highly respectable team and NAU couldn’t take them lightly.
NAU won the first set 25-19. In the second set, NAU and FLC were tied 4-4. NAU showed its athleticism and the Skyhawks were hitting the ball out a lot. NAU increased its lead to 12-7 with its power and athleticism around the net.
O’Ketter showed her leadership from the libero position often, communicating with her teammates as points broke down. FLC cut the NAU lead to 22-20 but O’Ketter had a beautiful diving save with one hand to keep the point alive and put NAU up 24-20. NAU won the set 25-21.
“It was very encouraging to see all of our players compete the way they did and finally seeing some progress with all the work that we have put in the spring,” FLC head coach Giedre Tarnauskaite said. “Then having an opportunity to try different lineups, because we were playing five sets. So it gave us different matchups to see the players who had less experience get some court time and see how they respond. Everybody responded really well, and it was exciting to put in action.”
NAU took control of the third set early and got out to a 5-0 lead. FLC responded and cut the lead to 7-5. But NAU pulled away again and didn’t look back, winning the third set 25-14.
Vibes were high inside of Durango High School with both teams and coaches smiling and laughing throughout the scrimmage. There was a good crowd in the stands with cheers heard for FLC and NAU.
“Fort Lewis brought great energy and we definitely matched that,” O’Ketter said. “As we progressed through the game, it got more competitive and we were learning each other's habits, it got super competitive. Our sideline players were getting into it and people on the court, which was super fun, I felt an extreme boost from my teammates. I had the most energy that I've had in the while playing a game.”
In the fourth set, FLC got out to an early 12-5 lead and NAU came back to take the lead 15-14. But the Skyhawks bounced back and won an incredible rally to put FLC up 20-18. FLC ended up winning the set 25-23.
Tarnauskaite said the difference in the fourth set was ball control. FLC stopped playing with a defensive mentality and went on the offensive. Tarnuaskaite complimented sophomore outside hitter Jordan DeJesus for her play in the fourth set.
FLC’s first game is against Texas Permian Basin on Sept. 6 as part of the Angelo State Tournament. Its first home game isn’t until Sept. 27.
bkelly@durangoherald.com
