Traveling to an Albany Tournament on Friday, August 27, the Irish volleyball team started off the season with a 2-2 record. However, the team’s first traditional game against Monticello on Tuesday, September 31, gave them a winning record early in the season.
The Albany Tournament consisted of eight teams, but the Irish only faced four. Their first match-up was Wadena-Deer Creek, which defeated the Irish in two games. Struggling to hit the ball in play, the Irish still managed to keep the games fairly close with scores of 21-25 and 15-25.
Next, the team faced the most hard-hitting of their opponents, Rocori. Playing extremely well, the Irish were just a few points shy in the first game, losing 23-25, and were also defeated in the second game, 15-25.
The tournament then took a swing in a better direction. Great passing gave the Irish more opportunities to attack the ball against Little Falls, leading the team to a two-game victory with scores of 25-17 and 25-15. Tired, the Irish finished the tournament strong, beating St. Cloud Apollo in two games, 25-20 and 25-22.
Breaking even in the tournament with two wins and two loses, the Irish took third in their pool. “In a larger school tournament we knew there would be tougher competition, but as the tournament went on, our team’s confidence increased,” said Coach Marty Kiebel.
Maple Lake vs. Magic
For the last three years, the Irish volleyball team’s first game has been against the Monticello Magic, and history repeated itself once again as Maple Lake faced the Magic.
The team was eager to take the court at Monticello, knowing that last year, the Irish lost to the Magic in five very close games. Maple Lake came out ready to play, winning the first game 25-17. Unfortunately, in the second game the team was unable to finish some plays, losing 24-26.
Bouncing right back with excellent work at the net both offensively and defensively, the Irish took the third game 25-19, and put the match away in the fourth game, 25-12.
Highlights of the match included exceptional serving from senior Chelsey Kotilinek with 6 aces and sophomore Rachel Sawatzke with 4 aces. This gave the team a chance at more offensive opportunities, which led to 12 kills by senior Jen Kempenich and 10 kills by junior Lindsey Smith. All this and great passing contributed to the four-game victory, leaving the Irish at an early season record of three wins and two losses.
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