Bulldog Volleyballers face tough challengers
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NET TIP — Sophomore Ella Holden (#12) of Boyceville attempts to tip the volleyball through a block put up by a pair of Amery defenders during a non-conference home volleyball match last Thursday. Amery won three sets to one. —photo by Shawn DeWitt
The Lady Bulldogs had a busy week of volleyball as they first traveled to Cumberland on Tuesday, September 10 to participate in a triangular tournament against Cumberland and Webster. They then hosted Amery on Thursday, September 12. And although they came out on the short end of all the matches, they held their own and played hard.
Cumberland
First up for the Bulldogs when they traveled north to Cumberland were the host Beavers. According to head coach, Keri Peterson, her team couldn’t get a lot of offense going in the first set. Which they lost 18-25. However, in the second set, the Lady Dawgs figured out how to hit around Cumberland’s middle blockers and were able to get some kills.
Peterson stated, “I’m proud of how well we adjusted to their blockers and played smart volleyball.”
The Bulldogs took the second set 30-28.
The Dawgs worked hard to mess up Cumberland’s setup with their serving to weaken their middle attack.
“The kids did all that we, as coaches, asked of them, but we just came up short in the third set, losing 13-15,” stated Peterson.
SISTER ACT — Boyceville siblings Taylor Grambow (#20) and Kady Grambow (#14) attempted to block the shot of Amery hitter Ella Schmidt during a home non-conference match last Thursday, September 12. The Warriors won the contest 3 sets to 1 but all four games were close.
—photo by Shawn DeWitt
On the whole, the Lady Dawgs played aggressive and had six blocks as a team against their big hitters. They also worked hard on defense with Hannah Johnson digging the ball 16 times, and Emma Bygd adding seven more digs from the back row.
Ella Holden led the offense with seven kills, followed by Hannah with six and Kady Grambow with four. Emma Ouellette had ten assists and as a team the Bulldogs chalked up seven serving aces.
The match against Webster had the Bulldogs losing in straight sets 17-25 and 18-25. Coach Peterson admitted that losing the third set to Cumberland took the wind out of their sails and they struggled to get any offense going. She goes on to say “We didn’t pass well enough to set anything up offensively and we spent too much time on defense trying to catch up.”
Amery
With the scores 14-25, 25-23, 25-27 and 21-25, one can see how close a match it was against the strong hitting Amery Warriors.
Despite the 3-1 loss, Coach Peterson had a positive outlook.
“We are coming together as a team and building on each other’s strengths and that is great to see as we head into conference play next week.” She went on to say that it was a great effort from many kids. It was a competitive match with some great volleys.
Peterson is also excited to have Taylor Grambow back in the lineup for the first time since her knee injury last season. Now they are making adjustments to see where she will best fit in the rotation.
SERVE RECEIVED — Boyceville junior Chrissa Kersten received this serve during a home match against Amery last Thursday, September 12. —photo by Shawn DeWitt
The Lady Dawgs had one of their best nights blocking against the Warriors, collecting eight as a team. Peterson remarked that they knew they would have to get up, block and play scrappy defense. Chrissa Kersten and Hannah Johnson combined for 20 digs, helping to keep the ball in play.
Serving was a highlight for the team as Amery had a harder time passing the ball. Emma Bygd was flawless at the serving line, serving 17 times, with two aces and zero errors.
For the match Hannah Johnson and Kady Grambow led the attack with eight kills a piece with Ella Holden adding six and Megan Hintzman coming up with three. Emma Ouellette racked up thirteen assists. Hannah Johnson led the team in aces with four and Torrie Bland had three.
The Bulldogs will host Glenwood City on Thursday, September 19 at 7:00pm to open Dunn-St. Croix play. They then head to Cameron on Saturday the 21 for an Invitational Tournament. Boyceville will then be in Mondovi next Tuesday, September 24.