Chieftains see improvement in first match-ups of season

Sophomore Ava Story spikes the ball to the other team for Lake Holcombe, as the Chieftains hosted Birchwood Sept. 2. The third set was a back-and-forth affair, but Lake Holcombe walked away the victors, taking the conference match-up, 3-0. Photo by Ginna Young

Getting by first-match jitters against an away game at Winter, Lake Holcombe’s volleyball team rallied for victory at home against Birchwood.

Aug. 31 vs. Winter conference (L 3-1)

Kicking off the start of their season, the Lake Holcombe girls headed to Winter, where the Chieftains tried to shake off nerves in the matches. Winter was a tough opponent, however, and took the first sets, 25-12 and 25-15.

Lake Holcombe bounced back to bring in the third set, 2520, but the Warriors wouldn’t be denied and brought in the fourth set, 25-20.

“The team met the challenge in the third and fourth sets, and also played well, but they fell just short of the win,” said coach Beth Meddaugh.

Leading on kills for the Chieftains, was senior Brooke Gingras, with 8, with senior Josi Elmberg right behind, with 7. Freshman Chloe Lee led with 18 assists and 17 digs.

Sophomore Ava Story finished the night with 13 digs and sophomore Ella Hartzell had 11.

“This match gave our young team some much needed experience at a high level and fast pace,” said Meddaugh.

Sept. 2 vs. Birchwood conference (W 3-0)

Two days later, the Chieftains were ready to rebound in a home match-up with Birchwood.

Lake Holcombe won the first set easily, 25-13, and the second also went their way, 25-17. It was a back-and-forth affair in the third set, but the Chieftains buckled down and pulled out the win, 25-23.

“Both serving and hitting were much improved from the previous match,” said Meddaugh.

Gingras again led on kills, with 7, while Story and sophomore Karly Kirkman had 6 kills each. Lee racked up another 27 assists, while Kirkman recorded 14 digs and Lee ended with 9.

Story finished the night with 7 aces.

“The team was scrappy and worked hard at the net for the win,” said Meddaugh.