Volleyball

Don Cogger

Published Wednesday, September 3, 2008

The Fergus Falls Volleyball team left Brainerd Tuesday evening in a lot better mood then when they arrived.

The Otters swept the Warriors in three straight games, 25-18, 25-22 and 25-21, giving Fergus Falls their first win of the 2008 season.

“The kids just played with a lot more confidence,” said Head Coach Renee Erickson. “We’ve been talking a lot about that in practice. We might not have the most experience, but we’re getting better every day, and if we play with confidence, we’re going to find more success.”

Freshman middle hitter Mariah Monke had an outstanding night, going 17-21 from the service line with four aces. She also had six digs, four blocks and three kills.

“Not a bad night for a freshman,” Erickson said. “She’s out there working hard, and it shows.”

Other service leaders for the Otters included Leslie Defiel with a 7-7 performance at the service line and two aces, and Ashley Thorsen, 11-12 with one ace. Nikki Clouse also got in on the action, going 9-12 with two aces and seven digs.

Senior setter Whitney Moore had eight set assists and four kills, while Junior Hattie Russell provided six set assists. Senior Kaitlin Larson had four blocks and four kills.

Erickson said she was pleased with her team’s effort, and hopes it builds momentum going into the tournament this weekend in Marshall.

“The girls really played as a team tonite and it showed,” Erickson said. “We missed 11 serves, but we also had 11 aces. We’ll work on our timing a little more before the weekend, as well as a little more on our block coverage.”

Underwood 3, Rothsay 0

The Underwood volleyball team fought back from an 8 point deficit in the third game to sweep the visiting Rothsay Tigers 25-18, 25-21 and 26-24.

The Rockets are now 3-0 on the year.

“I thought we played pretty well tonight,” said coach Dine Ross. “Our passes were right on the money during the first game, and Aann Bjorklund was putting the ball away. She had six of her 11 kills in game one.”

Jasmine Mertz had six kills and six digs, Sam Huseth was 13 for 13 from the service line with one ace and five digs and Hannah Rocholl pitched in two kills and nine digs.

Alex Floersch was also 13 for 13 from the service line, with two aces and 16 digs. Ellen Ferry had six kills and was 14-15 serving and one ace. ariana Odegard pitched in with four kills, 21 assists and five digs.

Ashby 3, Battle Lake 0

The Ashby volleyball team had a strong performance on their home court Tuesday evening, defeating Battle Lake in straight games, 26-24, 25-14 and 25-23.

The Arrows were led by Senior Emily Johnson with 11 points from the service line, 11 digs and 2 kills, and Senior Alisha Sethre with 10 points, 16 digs two blocks and 13 kills.

Senior Josie Kent also had a busy night, with five points and 16 digs, as did Junior Amanda Johnson with seven points, eight digs and eight kills.

“The girls played good defense tonight,” said coach Brenda Johnson. “we were able to score points off our digs, which is a tribute to our back-row players. Battle Lake put up a good block tonight. There is not going to be an easy match in the Little Eight Conference this year.”

Parkers Prarie 3,

Hillcrest 0

The Hillcrest Lutheran Academy girls volleyball team lost 3-0 in Parkers Prairie Tuesday night by scores 25-15, 25-14, 25-22.

Coach Carrie Brue said the Comets “showed their inexperience” and “need to work on seeing the ball at all times and reacting quicker.”

Middle hitter Andrea Christenson had three blocks on the night, while Greta Tungseth had 16 sets. Taylor Brue added 11 sets, and outside hitter Sophia Undseth had three kills.

The Comets plays at home Thursday at 5:00 p.m. against Ashby.

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