Red Raiders win in straight sets

Marathon too much for Loyal squad

By Casey Krautkramer

Marathon’s volleyball team found itself in a dog fight with the Loyal Greyhounds in the first set of Thursday’s home match, but the Red Raiders were able to get a close win. Marathon then easily won the next two sets to win the nonconference eas- match against Loyal.

Red Raiders junior setter Ashley Phakitthong said her team fed off energy created from its home pep band and fans.

“This year is the first time we’ve gotten to experience playing in front of a gym full of fans, so it’s a lot of fun,” she said.

Marathon and Loyal were gridlocked into many ties during the first set. For example, the two teams were tied at 21 points each until Red Raiders senior Vanessa Krueger’s attack kill gave Marathon the lead for good. A bit later Vanessa’s sophomore sister, Ava Krueger, served an ace to give Marathon a 24-21 advantage and senior Alyssa Hall’s kills gave the Red Raiders a 25-22 set victory.

The Red Raiders built a commanding 7-1 lead in the second set, following senior Kendra Stoffel’s ace. Vanessa Krueger executed two straight aces midway through the second set, helping Marathon cruise to a 25-11 win.

Marathon built a 9-2 lead in the third set, following Hall’s kill. Hall also spiked down a kill to give the Red Raiders a 25-14 win to take the match against Loyal. Marathon’s student fan section was singing popular childhood tunes like, “The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round” and “Old McDonald had a Farm” over and over during long rallies between the Red Raiders and Greyhounds on the volleyball court. Marathon has a 13-4 record in matches this season after beating Loyal. Marathon also beat Wisconsin Rapids Assumption in straight sets on Sept. 14.

Athens downs Rib Lake

The Athens volleyball team also beat Rib Lake in straight sets on Sept. 14.

Sophomore hitter Jazelle Hartwig led the Bluejays with 11 kills and junior libero Celina Ellenbecker with five aces.

Athens, 13-7, is honorable mention in this week’s Wisconsin Volleyball Coaches Association Division 4 rankings.

Wildcats beat Eagles

Edgar’s volleyball team downed Auburndale, 3-1, on Sept. 14. Junior Reagan Borchardt led the Wildcats with 18 kills and sophomore Leah Davis with four aces. Edgar has a 9-2 record.

Tigers fall to Cardinals

Stratford’s volleyball squad lost, 3-2, to Wausau Newman on Sept. 14. Tiger senior Hailey Chapel and junior Tessa Berg led the team with six aces each. Senior Megan Wiese paced Stratford with 10 kills.