SEEING DOUBLE — The Panthers’ Maddie Wagner (1) and Marnie Wagner (2) go up for a block against Medford. (Star Eagle photos by Chris Schlaak)
ON THE ATTACK — Sophia Fischer of NRHEG spikes while teammates Gretchen Ramaker, Abby Wacholz and Marnie Wagner look on against Medford.
Prior to last week, the NRHEG High School volleyball team was looking very good. But that was not the case as the Panthers hosted Medford Thursday, Sept. 17.
The visitors swept, winning 25-14, 25-12, 25-10. It dropped NRHEG to 4-2 overall and 1-1 in conference play.
“We struggled across the board tonight,” said coach Onika Peterson. “Our passing was off, which caused our setters to scramble.”
Which caused all sorts of problems for the Panthers, who never could get on track.
“Tonight was one of those nights nothing seemed to be going our way,” said Peterson, who’s confident her squad will bounce back.
“We are going to regroup, and hopefully come ready to play Saturday,” she said.NRHEG individual statistics vs. Medford: Maddie Wagner 1 kill, 7 digs; Marnie Wagner 5 kills, 7 digs; Abby Wacholz 3 kills, 5 digs; Anna Lundberg 5 assists, 1 dig; Gretchen Ramaker 1 kill; Rachel Collins 9 assists, 7 digs; Hailey Schuller 2 kills; Sophia Fischer 4 kills, 2 digs, 1 ace serve; Corrie. Powell 4 digs.
Two nights earlier the Panthers were on the road and won 4-1 at LeSueur-Henderson. After dropping game one by a 25-13 score, NRHEG won 25-23, 25-16, 26-24.
“Tonight we started out slow, definitely not playing to our ability,” said Coach Peterson. “Our passing was off, and we weren't playing aggressive at the net. Coming off of an ugly loss in game one it was awesome to see the girls fight to win it in four. These girls are competitors and they definitely proved it tonight.”
Statistics: Mad. Wagner 3 kills, 10 digs, 2 ace blocks; Mar. Wagner 4 kills, 22 digs, 1 ace block; Wacholz 4 kills, 6 digs; Lundberg 7 assists, 7 digs; Ramaker 4 kills, 5 digs, 1 assist, 1 ace block; Collins 10 assists, 12 digs; Grace Johns 5 digs; Schuller 5 kills, 5 digs, 1 assist; Abby Christopherson 8 digs; Fischer 8 kills, 6 digs; Powell 12 digs.
The Panthers host United South Central Thursday, Sept. 29.