By Nick Beversdorf
Reporter
On Thursday, the Hatchet spikers and setters traveled to Newman High School for another match-up, but unfortunately Newman proved a little to much for them to handle, taking the win in three sets.
The final set scores were 25-14, 25-14 and 25-7. On the Hatchet side, Elena Wallenfang had six kills, Beth Bunce had 12 assists and Delaney Langdon had 11 digs.
“Well, we started out fine the first game and kept things competitive but Newman proved to be just a little too much for us to handle,” comments head coach Paul Zierten. “We struggled to pass serves which kept us from really getting our offense going. When we got passes and had the opportunity to swing we did just fine. There were plenty of long rallies that we won because the girls wont give up and are getting smarter with each game. I was proud of our effort and wish we had another shot to play Newman again.
“It was also Pink Night and fans came out to support with great energy and pink outfits; it’s always fun to play pink night and remember there are bigger things than volleyball in life.”
Edged out by Antigo
Hatchet volleyball fought harder than ever during their Tuesday night bout against Antigo, but unfortunately Antigo made many comebacks and eventually stole the victory from Tomahawk.
Tomahawk won the first set 25-19 but Antigo was able edge out wins during the last three sets 26-24, 25-19 and 27-25 to take the match victory.
“Ninety percent. We played so well 90% of the match but that last 10% we couldn’t quite get,” comments coach Zierten. “We started strong and kept it up the entire match; but the times we didn’t maintain that level was at the worst possible time. We were up 24-21 game two and 24-19 game four. You can’t let teams win when you have multiple game points which is our story line for the night.
“If we got two more points this quote would have a whole new feel to it; but we didn’t. I was very proud of how the girls played tonight and know it’s the best we’ve played this year even though we didn’t get a victory. They looked like they knew what was coming most times and made some saves that I didn’t think were possible for us to make; the girls proved me wrong. Now we have to work to get that last little bit and put it all together.
“I like where things are headed even without the win; we’re making progress. Elena Wallenfang led us with kills tonight and Beth Bunce did a nice job spreading the ball around offensively. Sophie Wegner made some incredible tip shots they couldn’t seem to dig and Danaca Shore held strong in the blocks department making Antigo hit around her.
“Maggie Latzig read the ball much better tonight and made some good saves and Courtney Theiler is starting to find her swing which we’ll need in October. Finally Delaney Langdon picked it up tonight and made some wonderful digs to keep us in rallies. Overall I’m happy with our performance but disappointed in the outcome.”