BV turns Roosevelt away in 4-set match
By:
Jill Meier, Journal editor
Jill Meier/BV Journal
Liz Kopp had a strong presence at the net in Brandon Valley’s 3-1 victory Saturday against the visiting Roosevelt Rough Riders.
The Lady Lynx were clicking on all cylinders Saturday afternoon in their 3-1 defeat of Metro Conference rival, Sioux Falls Roosevelt. Brandon Valley won the Metro Conference match 26-28, 25-19, 25-8, 25-20.
“Our serving percentage was great,” said Lynx head coach Marette Grage, “and everyone hit well.”
While BV was on their game, Grage said the Lynx were “a little off” in their serve receive, “but still found a way” to overcome that.
Set one was a back and forth battle between the Lady Lynx and their Sioux Falls guests.
“It would have been nice to have that first set,” Grage said.
After leading their guests most of the way through the first set, the Rough Riders snagged the last two points to overcome BV 28-26.
That’s when BV turned up the power and tackled the mission head on, largely dominating the Riders in the next three sets.
Brooklyn Grage and Kazi Ellingson led BV’s net attack. The duo combined for 22 kills, with Grage firing a dozen.
Hannah Parliament was also a factor at the net. The junior shut down the Roosevelt offense by charting a trio of blocks.
Keeping BV’s back row in check were Abby Finch, Grage and Taylor Stemen. Finch had 19 digs, while Grage and Stemen both picked up 18.
Stemen was also a leader at the serving line where she produced a pair of aces along with teammate Liz Kopp, who was also responsible for 17 assists. Jenna Stengel aided with an additional 14 assists.
The No. 6 Lady Lynx (6-3) turns its attention to its ESD counterparts this week when they host No. 7 Pierre (3-1) at 7 p.m. Thursday and travel to No. 2 Aberdeen Central (7-1) on Saturday. Both matches, Coach Grage said, will be big tests for her team.
“Pierre is usually very scrappy and Aberdeen is a tough team,” she said, recognizing Brooklyn Kusler’s strong presence from the outside hitter position. “We have to find a way to shut them down. This will be a tough one on their home court and we need to be ready to play.”
