The NRHEG volleyball team knew defending state champion Waterville-Elysian-Morristown would be a tough test, and it was.
The Panthers battled hard, according to coach Onika Peterson, but lost 3-0 at Waterville Thursday, Sept. 29, falling by scores of 25-13, 25-20, 25-20.
“We knew that they have had a lot of success this season,” said Coach Peterson. “Our goal was to make them earn every single point to make sure we competed the whole time. I was very happy with how the girls played. They never gave up, never backed down.”
Individually for NRHEG: Maddie Wagner 3 kills, 2 digs, 1 ace block; Marnie Wagner 6 kills, 1 assist, 6 digs, 1 ace block; Natalie Aaseth 1 kill; Gretchen Ramaker 2 kills, 2 ace blocks; Rachel Collins 1 kill, 14 assists, 5 digs; Erin VanWilgen 1 dig, 1 ace serve; Olivia Christopherson 3 kills, 1 dig; Betsy Schoenrock 4 kills, 1 assist; Grace Johns 14 digs.
The Panthers’ junior varsity won 25-17, 17-25, 15-11.
NRHEG traveled to Tri-City United Monday, Oct. 3 and lost 3-0, 25-23, 25-17, 25-17.
“Tonight wasn't our night against TCU,” said Peterson. “We are hoping for a much needed conference win tomorrow against Maple River. We will be playing in the Blue Earth tournament this Saturday.”
Individually: Maddie 8 kills, 5 digs, 1 ace serve; Marnie 3 kills, 20 digs; Collins 5 digs, 10 assists, 1 ace serve; VanWilgen 8 digs, 1 ace serve; Aaseth 1 kill; Christopherson 1 kill, 6 digs, 2 ace serves; Johns 10 digs, 1 ace serve.
The JV won 16-25, 25-17, 15-13.
The Panthers, 0-3 in the Gopher Conference, fell to 4-8 for the season.