Eagles soar over Bulldogs in regional volleyball

BALSAM LAKE — It was not the outcome the Boyceville Bulldogs had anticipated.

After receiving a number five seed in the regional tournament despite a solid fourth-place finish in conference action, the Boyceville volleyball team looked to go on the road in search of some playoff victories.

Instead, the Bulldogs were grounded by the high-flying Eagles of Unity High School in the opening round of the WIAA Division 3 volleyball regionals. Unity took a three-set sweep in its home gym Tuesday, October 20.

The Eagles won the match by scores of 25-13, 25-19 and 25-23 to advance to Thursday’s semifinals where they were soundly beaten by top-ranked Grantsburg three sets to none.

“We had a rocky start to the match,” stated Corrie Roemhild, the Bulldogs’ head coach.

They never recovered and lost the opening set by 12 points.

But Boyceville played much better in the subsequent two sets but just could not post a win over the Eagles, as spotty play caused the Bulldogs to lose the next two sets and match albeit by narrow margins of  just six and two points.

“We began to finally get things rolling in the second set,” noted Roemhild. “But our inconsistent play stopped us from gaining any momentum in the match. It was very difficult to end the season (that way). This was a great group of girls.”

The Bulldogs will return several talented players next year but will lose the services of three fine seniors. Playing in their final volleyball match against Unity were Abby Lorenz, Jenna Beyrer and Marki Lagerstrom.

Boyceville finished the 2015 season with a 13-12 mark.