Hornets take first at home

Cadott senior Bradee Burish powerfully sends the ball back over the net Sept. 9, in a home tournament that saw the Hornets take first place honors. Photo by Ginna Young

Cadott’s volleyball program has come out of the gate strong and improved their record, by winning a match at the beginning of the week, then placed first in a tournament they played host to.

Sept. 5 vs. Elmwood-Plum City non-conference (W 3-0)

The week started out by heading to Elmwood-Plum City, where the Hornets claimed all three sets, winning them, 25-11, 25-11 and 25-15.

“We had a slow start to begin the match and again in the third, but rebounded well and were able to put the match away,” said coach Lynn Schreiner.

Leading for Cadott, was sophomore Haley Mathison, with 12 kills and 4 blocks, followed by senior Emma Kowalczyk, who ended with 7 kills and 10 digs. Senior Kendall Webster came next, with 5 kills and 10 digs, while junior Tarynn Donahue had 7 assists and 4 aces.

“We stayed aggressive offensively and really did a good job keeping them out of system, to keep the pressure off of our defense,” said Schreiner.

Sept. 9 vs. Luther nonconference (W 2-0)

It was then time to host a multi-school tournament, facing off with a lot of good teams, who would ultimately fall to the Hornets.

Luther was the first opponent to succumb to Cadott, 25-23 and 25-21.

Sept. 9 vs. Mondovi non-conference (W 2-0)

Mondovi came next, falling in both sets, 25-17.

Sept. 9 vs. Turtle Lake non-conference (W 2-0)

Turtle Lake followed that, but while the first set was a close one, 25-23, Cadott pulled out the win in the second, 25-13.

Sept. 9 vs. Unity nonconference (W 2-0)

Next up was Unity, who also gave the Hornets a run for their money, but Cadott prevailed, 25-21 and 25-23.

Sept. 9 vs. Thorp conference (W 2-0)

Finally, as the only conference opponent of the day, Thorp was the last team to face Cadott. The Hornets could taste the victory and handily won the sets, 25-9 and 25-13, to earn a first place finish and go undefeated in the tournament.

Kowalczyk came away with 34 kills, 3 aces, 38 digs and 3 blocks on the day, while Mathison finished with 33 kills and 8 blocks. Webster added 21 kills, 5 aces and 22 digs, and senior Makenna Harel ended with 38 digs, 3 aces and 4 kills. Sophomore Karlee Davis also came up big, with 55 assists, 13 aces and 22 digs.

“I think we really learned a lot about ourselves this weekend,” said Schreiner. “We played some solid competition and were able to battle through some tight sets, to come out on the other end with the win.”