“Sloppy” showing still enough to sweep West

Less than their best turned out to be plenty when Merrill volleball team hosted Wausau West for Thursday’s Senior Night competition.
The Jays put away the Warriors in 25-21, 25-14 and 25-20 straight sets.
“I wish I could give you a lot of warm fuzzies about tonight, but it was another roller coaster ride,” MHS coach Steph Nelson said. “At times we had beautiful plays; Renee Sladek had so many untouched shots, as well as Lauren Hojan, but all in all we played sloppy and out of control.
“In the first and last games, we were actually losing at one point. I do have to say though, that when they realize how bad it’s gotten, they are able to push hard and finish it out. Lindsay Krueger served for around eight straight points in the first match to get us the lead.
“I do like that we ended senior night on a high note; our last point of the match was senior JoJo Catlin smashing an over-pass down for a kill. I love making a statement on the last play of the match.”
After the victory, Nelson decided to switch it up a bit.
“(Friday) we’re giving the girls off practice,” Nelson said. “It’s been a long season so far with no days off except for Sundays.
“I’m hoping that this extra break will give them a chance to refresh themselves so next week we can really start playing some great volleyball!
The Bluejays were paced by: Renee Sladek (12 kills, 3 blocks, 6 digs); Lindsay Krueger (4 k, 5 ac, 25 assists); Casey Steffen (15 a); Lauren Hojan (10); Piepenbrok (10 d); Reegan Byer (4 as, 6 d); Katie Zuelsdorff (4 k); JoJo Catlin (4 k); Zam­zow (4 d).
Merrill improved to 30-3 overall, and 5-1 in the Valley.