Waldorf 3
UMM 1 (25, [25-23], 19, 21)
In the first of two matches at North Central University in Minneapolis, the Cougar volleyball team faced NAIA foe Waldorf College.
The Cougars struggled out of the gate in the first set, falling behind by several points. They rallied late, coming within a few points, but the effort left them out of gas and the Warriors took the set 27-25.
“We’re still struggling with playing hard right at the start of a game. That first set was an example. We just didn’t have enough to come all the way back,” said head coach Chad Braegelmann.
The Cougars took the second set 25-23. They never trailed.
Waldorf came back in sets three and four. According to Braegelmann, the Cougars had trouble finding rhythm in those sets. He attributed that to Waldorf’s play. “We didn’t play worse in [sets] three and four. Waldorf’s defense improved each set,” he said.
Overall, Bragelmann was pleased with his team’s serving during the Waldorf match. “They mixed up pace on serves, the aimed for corners, and they split gaps in the Waldorf formations. It worked for us against them.”
UMM 3
North Central 0 (14, 20, 20)
In the second match, the Cougars swept hosts North Central. The easy win enabled Braegelmann to use his entire bench and rest some starters.
“We had more depth and our attacks were better. Overall, we played really well,” he said.
The Cougars were led on offense by Justine Banken who recorded a season-high 12 kills with only one error on 17 attacks.
The volleyball team is home this weekend for three matches. They host Northwestern College on Friday night (7p), and Crown (11a) and Trinity Bible College (2p) on Saturday.
