VB team starts season in the win column
The Staples-Motley volleyball team won their first match of the regular season, against Long Prairie-Grey Eagle 25-19, 25-21, 26-24 on Aug. 30.
“The win was a great way to start the season,” said Coach Gretchen Bestland. “It’s nice to see their time spent in the gym, teamwork and perseverance starting to pay off.”
It was the first opening day win for the volleyball program since 2009. The Cardinals won a tournament game earlier this season but this was their first head-to-head action, on the road at LP-GE.
Although they won in straight sets, it was not an easy match, as Staples-Motley fell behind in the final two sets.
“We have a number of girls playing in new positions which makes their come from behind wins even more exciting,” said Bestland.
The Cardinals were led by Ashley Vasquez’ 10 kills. Their defense also played well in preventing the ball from hitting the floor, as Chelsea Nanik had 14 digs, Mardi Opheim; 10 digs and Alex Davis; 9 digs.
Team statistics:
Opheim: Ace serves - 1; Digs - 10; Assist - 7; Kills -3
Mackenzie Zetah: Digs - 6; Assist - 1; Kills -3; Blocks - 2
Vasquez: Digs - 3; Assist - 1; Kills - 10
Camryn Banaka: Digs - 4; Assist - 11; Kills - 1
Nanik: Ace serves - 1; Digs - 14; Kills -2
Paige Kittleson: Digs - 4; Assist - 1; Kills - 7
Davis: Ace serves - 1; Digs - 9; Assist - 3; Kills -1; Blocks - 1