Kimball’s Bailey Joseph, #15, sets it up during Thursday’s home game loss to the Paynesville Bulldogs. Staff photo by Marguerite Laabs.
By Pat Garry, Staff Writer
The Cubs battled stifling, humid conditions and a strong, formidable Foley team last Tuesday, Sept. 4. Humid air and wet floors made playing in the environs a real challenge, as the girls continually slipped and slid around the court. The Falcons won 3-0, on set scores of 16-25, 13-25, and 17-25.
“This is our second match of the season and we are still trying to establish a set lineup. Foley came off a tournament in Albany this weekend, so they had played more matches coming in,” said Coach Tabitha Mortenson. Kimball stayed with Foley for the first 10 points of the game in the first match, but hitting errors forced them into a rotation that they could not alter, and Foley pulled away. Coach Mortenson changed the offense in set two, hoping to create more consistency in passing, but the kids struggled in serve-receive too much. The last set was the Cubs’ best set. Another lineup adjustment helped, but unforced hitting errors and net violations remained too plentiful.
(Kimball highlights) Erin O’Brien, 5 blocks; Emma Antigua, 4 kills; Bailey Joseph, 6 set assists; and Madeline Gustafson (the libero), 3 service aces.
Thursday’s contest versus Paynesville was another battle, but the girls played much better, despite losing 3-1. Set scores were 16-25, 25-23, 14-25, and 13-25.
“Our biggest issue is our passing and serve-receive. We have to do a better job of getting the ball to our setter, so she can run an offense. We had to push and tip too much through most of the match because we weren’t in good position,” explained Coach Mortenson. The Cubs were considerably more aggressive and confident in set number two.
(Kimball highlights) Megan Serbus had 2 aces helping the team to score 14 points, Bailey Joseph had 13 set assists, and Madeline Gustafson had 19 digs.
“Our conference will be uber-competitive again. We know we have several newbies on our varsity this year, and we are hoping they will grow considerably into more confident volleyball players,” Coach Mortenson explained.