Thunderous Debut

By Michael Ashcraft --

Lucy Young cooks up galette, macaroons, layered cakes and ... blistering hot serves.

Subscribe

The junior from the Lighthouse Christian Academy smashed nine serves for nine points to spark fire in the Saints second game win over Gorman Learning Center at volleyball Tuesday.

"I was angry that we were losing so bad," Lucy said.

Which is kind of funny because she doesn't resemble Dr. Bruce Banner in the slightest.

Don't make her angry.

Lighthouse scraped to victory 25-18 in the first set.

Lucy was none too pleased. There were poor serves and long hits. Lighthouse didn't look like Lighthouse.

Then she slotted into the launch lane and boomshakalaka nine points in set #2.

(She does love to cook.)

Her brother puts out fires. She sets fires.

(Her brother, Zeke, is training to be a fireman in Santa Monica.)

"She has a strong whip," said Coach and Mom Jessica Young.

Lighthouse sent home the newcomers to the league in three sets: 25-18, 25-8 (fired by Lucy) and 25-13.

Lucy was only half the story. The other was towering freshman Kallie McKinney who opened her high school career with an ace.

Kallie got in a couple of hits, a block and a few saves. Not bad for a freshman on a varsity team.

She's one of the tallest, which is scary news for other teams in the league. It means she will continue to grow and get taller and more dominant.

How does Lighthouse keep a steady stream of ace players coming through the ranks?

The repeat league champions notched their first season win at Penmar Recreational Center.

Michael Ashcraft teaches writing at the Lighthouse Christian Academy of Santa Monica.