Volleyball: Medford Outlasts Byron, NRHEG Sweeps Fairmont
Medford volleyball won its home opener 3-1 over Byron Tuesday with great contributions from a number of players. The scores went 25-18, 25-23, 18-25, 25-14. An enthusiastic student section sloshed through the rain in their Hawaiian gear to cheer on their classmates.
Setter Morgan Langeslag used her full arsenal of hitters in addition to smacking down a few of her own and scrambling for several impressive digs. Libero Kiley Nihart dove for numerous digs as well. Emma Kniefel, Rachael Luebbe and Kinsey Cronin each had about ten kills. Isabel DeLeon, Izzy Reuvers and Clara Kniefel each knocked several kills. Jenna Berg had at least four ace serves and set up several plays.
The Tigers built a big lead in the opening set to win 25-18. Medford came from behind in the second set 25-23. Byron rallied from an early deficit to take the third 25-18. The Tigers shut the door in the fourth with a strong start on the way to a 25-14 clincher.
Medford (2-0) will host NRHEG Thursday. The Panthers (3-0) swept Fairmont 25-9, 25-14, 25-14.
Blooming Prairie lost a close battle with Austin 25-21, 25-20, 21-25, 25-21. Statistical leaders for the Awesome Blossoms include Micalyn Trihus with ten kills and seven digs, plus 3 ace serves. Rachael Oswald had nine kills and nine digs. Julia Worke added five kills and 14 digs. Heather Pirkl handed out 24 assists. Maren Forystek dug up 13 balls.
Triton topped Waseca 3-sets-to-1.