Colby VB gains experience
The 2021 season has already been off to a crazy start for the Colby Hornets volleyball program. Just one week into the season, and last year’s head coach Nathan Larsen has stepped down, thus ushering in the Hannah Engevold era.
The Hornets began 2021 with a trip to the campus of UW - Stout in Menomonie for the Sprawl Invitational.
This year’s edition is a young team, with numerous seniors graduating from last year’s team. As a result, the Hornets won just one match, but were competitive in every match they played.
“Although we only came away with one win, there was a lot of learning and growing as a team,” Engevold said after the Sprawl tourney. “The girls pushed one another and fought hard.”
Colby began the tournament with a match against Eau Claire North. Colby lost a tough first set 26-24, and then dropped the second set 25-14.
Jorja Weiland led Colby with 46 digs, Kya Vieguet had three blocks. Sophia Fontoira had a team high six kills.
The Hornets punched above their weight, taking on D-2 Medford in its second match. Colby lost 25-16, 25-18.
“Girls pushed, but were working through seeing the hole in the block and reading the digs,” Engevold said after the two set loss to Medford.
Colby dropped its next two matches to St. Croix Falls in two sets, next, and tested the Cameron Comets in a tight, three set loss. The Hornets took the first set, but lost the next two sets. Stats were not available for the two matches.
Brett Schmitt and Hayden Willner each had 27 digs. Willner led with four kills. Kya Viegut had three blocks.
“The girls played very well. Cameron was able to read our open lines.”
Colby’s busy weekend continued, as the Hornets went toe to toe with the Clayton Bears. Colby lost the match in two highly contested sets, 25-22, 25-18.
Brett Schmitt led with 35 digs. Kya Viegut and Lydia Decker each had four blocks. Viegut and Hayden Willner finished with a team high four kills each.
“The girls fought hard, but we had to make a few changes in lineup, so figuring that out was tough.”
Colby finally got their first win of the season with a well-earned victory over Lakeland, 25-18, 25-23.
Kennedy Bilz led Colby with a team high 50 digs. Brett Schmitt added another 35 digs. Hayden Willner and Lydia Decker struck three kills apiece, and Kya Viegut added four more. Viegut and Willner combined for six blocks.
“The girls really stepped up their game,” Engevold said, complimenting her players for the win. “They were in a nice groove and kept the energy up.”
The Hornets dropped yet another close game in two sets to Luck, 22-25, 22-25, to close out Saturday.
Kennedy Bilz recorded 65 digs, Hayden Willner had five kills. Lydia Decker collected three blocks.
“The competition was a great start to the season to know what these girls can accomplish. I am very excited to see what these athletes can do!”
