The #5 (2A) Grundy Center volleyball team didn’t allow upset hopes to gain traction with a 3-0 win at AGWSR in NICL-West play on Tuesday, as aired on 104.9 KLMJ. The Spartans won by set scores of 25-13, 25-20, 25-12.
In the first set, Grundy Center jumped out to a 14-6 lead and closed out the set on an 11-7 run to take the set. In the second set, scoring went back and forth to 10 points. The Spartans created some breathing room with a 12-9 advantage that grew to an 18-12 advantage. The Cougars got within three at an 18-15 deficit but drew no closer as the Spartans scored seven of the final 12 points to go up 2-0. In the decisive third set, after a 4-4 tie, the Spartans went up 12-8 and closed out the match on a 13-4 run. Spartan Head Coach Lori Willis shares how her team was able to control the tempo of the match.
“Controlling the match, controlling the pace of the game, making teams have to adjust to us. I thought we did a good job of that, definitely in set one and set three,” says Willis. “Our hitters were hitting where they wanted to. Our defense was doing a great job putting that ball up. Our setters were delivering it. Just controlling the tempo and our serves. We got them out of system quite often as well.”
Cougars Head Coach Kayla Miller on her conversation with the team to keep positivity in huddle, while hunt for first win continues.
“I just keep telling them that we do have a tough conference, but don’t let that get on you. Tonight, I told them that I was really, really proud of them. They played really aggressive. We saw a turnaround from Saturday, this was a whole different team,” says Miller. “Telling them that you might not win every game, but that is totally okay. As long as you’re out there having fun and you’re playing your 110 % that you can.”
Ryanne Brubaker had 13 kills and Trinity Jirovsky had seven to lead the Spartans. Brylea Metzgar and Elise Olson each had three kills for the Cougars.
Grundy Center (10-0, 2-0 NICL-West) will take part in the Aplington-Parkersburg Invite on Saturday. AGWSR (0-12, 0-1 NICL-West) will travel to East Marshall on Tuesday, September 16.
