Chieftains persevere through week’s games

Lake Holcombe’s volleyball program went up against multiple teams over the week, but couldn’t pull out a victory.

Sept. 21 vs. Flambeau conference (L 3-2)

The Chieftains acted as host to Flambeau in a Homecoming match, with the Falcons taking the first set, 25-18. Lake Holcombe bounced back in the second set, with a 25-21 win and a 26-24 win in the third set.

“The team played well against Flambeau, but struggled again to close out sets,” said coach Beth Meddaugh.

In fourth and fifth sets, it was all Flambeau, winning 2513 and 9-15.

Leading on kills for Lake Holcombe, were junior Karly Kirkman, with 10, and senior Brooke Gingras, with 8. Freshman Chloe Lee led with 27 assists, while sophomore Ava Story had 20 digs. Gingras also ended with 9 aces.

“They worked really hard and came back from being behind by quite a few points several times, so I have seen that they can come together in a tough situation,” said Meddaugh. “I’m proud of the team for their performance and perseverance in this match.”

Sept. 25 vs. Eleva-Strum Invitational (L 10-1)

It was then off to Eleva-Strum, for a tournament against five non-conference teams. First up, was the host school, who lost the first set to Lake Holcombe, 25-22. Eleva took the next sets, 25-18 and 15-6.

Up next, Elmwood-Plum City took their two sets, 25-10 and 25-12. The Chieftains’ third opponent of the day was Augusta, and while the sets were close, it was Augusta who came up with the win, 25-20 and 25-21.

“There were some very bright spots in this tournament,” said Meddaugh. “The team went up against some bigger, faster teams and played well.”

Thorp was next on the schedule, with the Chieftains also dropping the sets, 25-11 and 25-10.2 The final opponent of the day was Osseo-Fairchild, but Lake Holcombe couldn’t come up with the win and saw the sets go to Osseo, 25-16 and 25-8.

Sophomore Emma Lechleitner led with 12 kills, with Kirkman right behind, with 11, and Lee with 10. Freshman Ella Hartzell finished 53 digs,while senior Josi Elmberg ended with 18.

Lee had 34 assists on the day, and junior Hannah Wincek added 11.

“Split time varsity/JV players Emma Lechleitner and Hannah Wincek did a great job stepping up, and filling spots for regular starters, and the whole team worked together well in acclimating to line-up changes,” said Meddaugh. “This was a great learning opportunity for our younger players.”