Lake Holcombe’s efforts pay off with experience

By Ginna Young

Despite some off games, Lake Holcombe’s volleyball program is coming along well, as they head into the remaining stretch of the season.

Sept. 28 New Auburn conference (L 3-0)

The Chieftains were on the road to face New Auburn, in a conference battle. Lake Holcombe saw the first set go to the Trojans, 25-15, as well as the next set, 25-13. Rallying for a final attempt to overthrow the Trojans, Lake Holcombe gave their all, but ultimately fell in the third and final set, 25-21.

“The match vs. New Auburn was tough,” said coach Beth Meddaugh.

Senior Ella Hartzell led with 13 digs, while senior Emma Lechleitner ended with 7 kills and junior Chloe Lee added 11 assists.

“The team was a bit off that night, and couldn’t put plays together to score points,” said Meddaugh.

Oct. 3 Winter conference (L 3-2)

Winter was next on the schedule, coming to call on the Chieftains. The first set went to the Warriors, 25-18, but Lake Holcombe came back to win the second set, 25-23. Winter wouldn’t go down and claimed the third set, 25-15, but the Chieftains forced a fourth set, taking it, 25-22.

With the sets tied, 2-2, the Warriors pushed past Lake Holcombe, winning the fifth and final set, 15-6.

“The team played well against Winter and came very close to winning this match,” said Meddaugh.

Coming up with 28 digs, was Lee, followed by junior Emmy Kirkman, with 24, and Hartzell, with 22. Senior Ava Story led on kills, with 11, while Kirkman added 7 and sophomore Abby Jones finished with 6. Lee finished the night with 16 assists.

“The players worked hard to come back from strong serving runs by Winter players and our own serving improved this match, over matches in the past few weeks,” said Meddaugh.

Oct. 5 Birchwood conference (W 3-0)

It was then off to Birchwood for a match that went the way of the Chieftains in three sets, 25-12, 25-10 and 25-18.

“The team communicated well and played well in Birchwood,” said Meddaugh. “We were able to try out some different line-ups, to get younger players more experience at the varsity level.”

Lee came up with 9 digs, while Hartzell and Kirkman each had 8. Kirkman and Lechleitner each notched 6 kills, followed by Story, with 5. Lee finished up with 15 assists and Kirkman had 7 aces.

“Serving was solid, with a team serving percentage up from the several previous matches,” said Meddaugh. “I’m very happy with the team’s efforts.”