VOLLEYBALL WEEKLY REVIEW: Lancers Look to Carry Momentum

BY SCOTT MORRISON

The Lancers volleyball team looks to build on the momentum that they created for themselves after matching up against the University of Sioux Falls and Presentation College.

Coming into their match against Sioux Falls on Wednesday, the Lancers knew they would have to battle to compete with the upstart Cougars.

Unfortunately, the Lancers where unable to overcome Sioux Falls as the Lady Cougars won the match 22-30, 30-25, 20-23, 30-27.

Despite experiencing a match loss at home to Sioux Falls, the Lancers (4-8, 0-4 GPAC) were able to put together one of the best games of their young season in the first game.

This became evident throughout the first game as the Lancers were able to score at will on their way to a 30-22 victory.

This would carry over to the second game, but Sioux Falls was able to take control of the match after claiming the lead for the first time midway through the game. The Lady Cougars were able to finish on top 30-25.

“Our momentum carried over into the second game, but we had a couple missed serves that hurt us down the stretch,” Lancers coach Tracy Grotenhuis said.

The Cougars ability to steal the momentum in the second game proved costly for the Lancers as they were never able to fully recover until it was too late.

“The key to our team’s success in the second game was gaining control of the flow of the ball,” Sioux Falls coach Lisa Mathes said.

Leading the way for the Lancers was Tara Adamson who posted 17 kills, two set assists, seven defensive digs, and five block assists.

The Lancers used their weekend to travel to Presentation College in Aberdeen.

Against Presentation, the Lancers where able to show their potential ability as they swept their opponents 30-27, 30-12, 30-27.

“Traveling such a long ways is always a challenge,” Grontenhuis said. “Anytime you are able to travel three and a half hours and get a win you can feel like you’ve earned something.”

Tara Adamson ensured that she had a solid ending to a terrific week as she posted 12 kills, one ace serve, and nine defensive digs.

Kate Carda had another solid game as she added ten kills, one ace serve, and two blocks. Krista Hohn and Abby Haiar each added eight kills.

The Lancers will continue conference play as they host Briar Cliff University on Wednesday. They will finish their weekend off on the road against Hastings College and Concordia University.