Spikers bounce Eagles

Despite playing less than inspired volleyball, according to head coach Rick Wiedenhoeft, the Muskie senior girls’ volleyball team grounded the Dryden Eagles two games to one there yesterday afternoon to open their NorWOSSA season.
The seniors battled back from a 9-2 deficit in the first game to stun the host Eagles 16-14, then took the second one in convincing fashion by a 15-7 score.
The Eagles avoided the sweep with a 15-7 win in the third game against a Muskie lineup consisting mainly of their bench players.
“The first game was tight and that’s how we played,” the veteran head coach said. “We played tight and we didn’t communicate. We served better than they did and we made less mistakes [but] our passing wasn’t good.
“But I guess you could say it was first-game jitters,” he added.
The Muskies were led by their middle tandem of Karen Harris and first-year senior Siobhan Devlin, whom Wiedenhoeft said brings impressive size to the floor. He noted they played “very well” both offensively and defensively.
“Devlin is quite the intimidating blocker at the net and she’s only in her first year so she’s going to get better,” he enthused of his prized rookie.
The Muskies used that talent at the middle position to score most of their points, said Wiedenhoeft, choosing to stay away from forcing the ball to the power side. And the Eagles could not stop it even when it became obvious what was coming.
He hinted they will continue to use that quick, middle hit until they develop their hitting game outside.
Meanwhile, the Muskie juniors also looked impressive in their debut against the Eagles, sweeping Dryden 15-6, 15-11, and 15-2 while using a split squad.
Wiedenhoeft said their passing was “very strong” and their setting was excellent. He alluded to the hitting of Chrissie Thomson from the power side and the setting of Sarah Noonan as keys to the team’s win.
Both volleyball teams are back in league action tomorrow when the Kenora Broncos ride into town.