Falcons finish fourth at Marshfield Invite

Two years ago, the Abbotsford Falcons volleyball team swept through the field at the Marshfield Invite, knocking off Superior, Marshfield and Ashwaubenon, to claim the title.

The Falcons never had a chance to defend their title in 2020, but things are a little different in 2021, and even though masks were present, the Marshfield Invite made its return on Saturday.

The Falcons title defense began promisingly, with Abbotsford winning their first two matches in straight sets. The Falcons defeated Antigo 25-23, 25-18, and then took on Ashwaubenon, battling for a 25-19, 25-16 victory.

It looked for all the world like the Falcons would roll through their next opponent, when they took on Ripon for their third match of the day. Ripon got off to a fast start, but Abby rallied to put on a deep run.

Ripon’s lead was too much for the Falcons to overcome, dropping it 25-20, but Abby carried that late excellent stretch of form from the first set into the second, and dominated Ripon, evening the match at one set apiece with a 25-12 victory that forced a third and final set.

The Falcons appeared to be in complete control of the third set, racing out to a 9-1 lead off the back of strong hitting up at net from seniors Olivia Hammel and Lydia Carlson.

But a time out from Ripon halted the Falcon’s momentum, and big serves, along with bigger shots up front, resulted in Ripon turning the tables on Abbotsford, who saw their lead evaporate.

Ripon closed the third set on a 14-4 run to win the set 15-13, handing Abby its first loss of the day.

The Falcons attempted to regroup in their fourth match against the Ladysmith Lumberjacks. Abbotsford began the match well, taking the first set 25-21.

However, things veered off in the second set, and after a tough, nervy battle, it was the Lumberjacks who took the second set, winning it 30-28. The Falcons could not recover, and dropped the third set 15-8.

The Falcons would not win another set through the duration of the tourney, falling to Marshfield in straight sets, 25-16, 25-22, to finish the day 2-3.

The Falcons took fourth. Marshfield was first and Ripon and Ladysmith placed second and third. Ashwaubenon was fifth and Antigo was sixth.

Senior striker Lydia Carlson guided Abbotsford with a big day up front, striking a team high 37 kills to go with 35 digs. Olivia Hammel added another 25 kills and 43 digs. Haylee Soyk was effective up at net, finishing with 21 kills.

Bridgett Pogodzinski had 33 digs and a team high 50 set assists. Sophomore Stephany Espino is off to a nice start in 2021. Espino played excellent defense, collecting 33 digs and 43 set assists.

Sydney Falteisek rained down a team high 11 aces, and added another nine kills. Adriana Fuentes recorded a team high 74 digs.