Warriors continue to dominate the net

Setting up the ball is South Winn’s Avery Luzum as hitters Bailee Frana (partially hidden) and Kiara Bullerman begin the approaches to the net. (Driftless Multimedia photo by Becky Walz)

Following a close five-set match Tuesday, the South Winn volleyball team (8-8, 2-0 UIC) concluded the week with its second conference win and the Nashua-Plainfield tournament title.

UIC control
South Winn had its home conference opener on Thursday evening taking on MFL MarMac (1-6, 0-2 UIC). The Warriors established themselves early with strong serving and attacking up front dominating the first two sets 25-7 and 25-6. The Bulldogs kept it close in set three, but a late Warrior run helped secure the sweep on the evening moving South Winn to 2-0 in conference play.
“After coming off our big five set victory over Turkey Valley on Tuesday evening, we talked about coming out consistent and under control when we took our home floor. Our girls did a great job of not forcing the issue with our swings, and our passing and setting was outstanding. We were able to get the ball to a number of hitting options and look at several roster configurations. It was nice to see us establish ourselves on the home floor with great support behind us,” said Coach Alex Smith.
Katrina Hageman led the attack with eight kills to go with six digs, three aces and a 13-for-14 serving performance. Avery Humpal came away with 10 digs and was 10-for-10 at the service line while Abby Wagner provided three kills, three digs, four aces and was 14-for-15 in serving.

Tourney title
The Warriors traveled to Nashua-Plainfield on Saturday for a six team tournament and brought home the title. The Warriors got off to a solid start on the day with a first set win over Rockford (3-2) by a score of 21-16 but dropped the opening match losing the next two sets 13-21 and 9-15.
A one match break allowed the Warriors some time to regroup and prepare for a rematch with North Linn who they had faced at the Jesup tournament just one week ago. South Winn put together two of their better sets of volleyball on the year, taking down the Lynx by scores of 21-19 and 21-13 to advance to the championship match.
The title match wouldn’t come easy as the Warriors would drop the first set to Starmont 16-21. After jumping out to a commanding lead in set two, South Winn had to fight off a big comeback from the Stars to capture the 22-20 win and would win the final set 15-8 to capture the title on the day.
“This was an exciting day for the girls and program, being able to capture a Saturday tournament title. Our big moment on the day was coming out with some great energy, intent and focus against North Linn. We advanced to the championship on criteria by allowing three less points than North Linn and took advantage of that opportunity,” said Coach Smith.

This week
It could be quite a battle for the UIC leaders Tuesday, Sept. 19, as the Warriors are at North Fayette Valley.

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