Comets Fall Short in Season Opener Against NCE/UH in 5-Set Battle
Hillcrest Lutheran Academy commenced their 2023 volleyball campaign with a gripping away match against Norman County East/Ulen-Hitterdal Titans. Hillcrest secured the first set at 25-20 but couldn’t maintain the momentum, losing the second set 25-20. They rebounded with a 25-21 victory in the third set, followed by a narrow 25-22 defeat in the fourth set. Ultimately, the Titans edged out a close 15-13 win in the fifth set, clinching the match 3-2.
Coach Debi Foss of Hillcrest noted, “In the end, I think we ran out of steam, had too many errors, and couldn’t get a kill when we needed one. It was good competition.” Despite the loss, Foss praised the team’s determination, teamwork, and their commitment to the process of improvement. Standout performances came from Ella Knutson and Emily Adams, both contributing 16 kills each, while Anna Brumfield had 8 kills and Ruby Peterson tallied 46 set assists. The team aims to bounce back in their upcoming non-conference matchup against Pelican Rapids.
WCA Girls Fell to Sauk Centre in Conference Opener
West Central Area’s girls volleyball squad encountered a challenging start to their season, succumbing to Sauk Centre in a 3-0 (25-19, 25-12, 25-19) defeat. Coach Missy Foslien acknowledged the strength of Sauk Centre, a state-ranked team with formidable hitters. Foslien emphasized the need for more offensive threats and better blocking to contend with strong opponents. Mya Foslien, Macy Grosz, and Izzy Puchalski delivered notable performances in a match that highlighted areas for improvement. The Knights look forward to refining their game in the upcoming home match against Morris.
Vikings Triumph in Volleyball Opener Against Park Christian After Four Intense Sets
The Pelican Rapids Vikings launched their 2023 volleyball season in a spirited match against Park Christian in Moorhead. Despite initial nerves and a slow start, the Vikings managed to secure a victory in four sets. The team’s resilience and improved performance over the course of the game showcased their potential. Noteworthy contributions came from various players, with Anna Roisum’s kills and the exceptional passing of Hazel Haugrud, Morgan Korf, and Claudia Gurath standing out. The Vikings aim to build on this victory as they prepare to face Hillcrest.
Underwood Prevails in Season Opener with Thrilling 5-Set Win Against Henning
Underwood emerged victorious in a thrilling 5-set battle against Henning, claiming a 15-25, 25-23, 22-25, 25-14, 15-12 win. Underwood Head Coach Breck Grove praised the team’s fighting spirit and balanced performance throughout the match. Kallyn Grove, Brooklyn Christianson, and Liz Lukken were instrumental in leading the Rockets to victory, showcasing their prowess in various aspects of the game. The win set a positive tone for Underwood’s season, with their next match scheduled against Battle Lake.
Breckenridge Girls Secure Convincing 3-Set Win Against Hancock in Season Opener
Breckenridge’s girls’ volleyball team opened their 2023 season with a dominant 3-0 victory over the Hancock Owls. The Cowgirls’ strong serving, led by Kolle Schuler and Sydni Roberts, played a pivotal role in their success. Erin Blaufuss and Hailee Hanson led the attack with 9 kills each, while Julie Kleisman and Parker Yaggie also contributed with 6 kills each. Defensively, Roberts excelled with a team-high 17 digs. Breckenridge displayed a well-rounded performance on both ends of the court, setting a positive tone for the season ahead.
Fergus Falls Girls Faced Tough Opener, Fall to Willmar in 3 Sets
The Fergus Falls girls’ volleyball team encountered a challenging start to their season, suffering a 3-set defeat against the Willmar Cardinals (25-19, 25-16, 25-15). Despite the loss, Head Coach Sabrina Noon commended the team’s grit and confident demeanor on the court. Macee Butler, Brynn Sternberg, and Karyssa Eberlee led the charge for Fergus Falls, showcasing both defensive and offensive skills. While the outcome wasn’t in their favor, the Otters displayed promising moments and will seek to build on their performance in the upcoming matches.
Sauk Rapids-Rice Storm Win Over Fergus Falls Otter Boys Soccer Team
The Sauk Rapids-Rice Storm showcased resilience in a comeback victory against the Fergus Falls Otter Boys Soccer Team, securing a 3-2 win. Shane Zierden and Jose Rodriguez propelled Fergus Falls to an early 2-0 lead, but the Storm fought back to clinch the victory. Aidan Godwin’s solid performance in goal helped keep Fergus Falls competitive. Despite the loss, the Otters displayed early promise and determination on the field.
Upcoming games
Hillcrest Lutheran Academy has a non-conference matchup against Pelican Rapids.
The West Central Area volleyball team will open their home season against Morris.
The Pelican Rapids Vikings will host Hillcrest on Thursday, August 31st.
Underwood’s next match is against Battle Lake on Tuesday, September 5.
The Fergus Falls girls’ volleyball team will host Alexandria on Thursday night.
Fergus Falls (1-3-0) will travel to Sartell for a Central Lakes Conference contest against the Sabres