Groton used a potent service attack to power a non-conference volleyball win over Aberdeen Christian Monday night.
The Tigers racked up 16 total aces in a 25-11, 25-17, 25-12 sweep at the Christian School Gym.
“We can win a lot of games at the serve and pass line. We have a lot of girls that can attack, but we’re not going be a team that has that one hitter that comes out and has 25 kills a night,” said Groton coach Chelsea Hanson. “We spend a lot of time focusing on serve and pass, and the first two games of the season so far we’ve been serving pretty aggressively.”
The Knights owned an early 7-4 lead to start the match. Christian coach Sara Powell was pleased with the way her players were prepared.
“They came out ready to play that first set. It’s exciting because they’re so young. It’s fun to see them have that fire,” Powell said. However, the Knights soon fell behind and were never able to recover. “It’s just a learning experience for us. As soon as they get down, having to get back up.”
Groton reeled off 11 unanswered points to take control of the opening set. Laila Roberts, who led the Tigers with six aces on the night, keyed the surge with her serving.
Christian had a lead in the second set as well before the Tigers surged in front. Again, serving played a key role in the set.
“We really focus on ace-to-error ratio and making sure that it’s at the very least 1-to-1, and the last two games we’ve been over that,” Hanson said. “We spend a lot of time passing, so in order to pass we have to serve.”
The Tigers were also aggressive at the net, both in attacking and blocking.
Sydney Leicht used a variety of swings on the way to leading the team with nine kills.
“Syd’s a good player. This is her third-year starting for us. She’s been starting since she’s been a freshman,” Hanson said. “She’s added a lot of range to her game. She’s worked really hard on that.”
The junior went cross court, down the line, hammered hard kills and also showed delicate touch on soft kills.
“Usually when I see two blockers on me I try and tip it, because I know the court is open in the middle,” Leicht said. “Sometimes my backrow talks to me. If I see the line open, I just hit it. Usually I call a faster set if I don’t have a block.”
Chloe Bosma had three kills and three aces, and Jolie Fogarty finished with four kills, an ace and 10 set assists for the Knights. Alexis Isakson contributed 20 digs.
“Our Libero had 20 digs tonight. That was awesome,” Powell said of Isakson’s play. “I’m happy. We just have to be able to put that into play.”
Groton has a busy week ahead with two more matches this week.
Leicht said the Tigers have a good chemistry on the court.
“We work together as a team very well,” Leicht said. “If somebody makes an error, we just pick them right back up and work together.”
The Knights are back in action next Tuesday hosting Langford Area.
Powell said the future is bright for her team, which features three eighth-graders in the starting lineup.
“I have such a young team,” Powell said. “They have a lot to learn, but they have great potential and talent, so I’m excited.”
Serving: Groton 61-74 15 aces (Laila Roberts 16-19 6 aces, Carly Guthmiller 10-12 4 aces, Liz Fliehs 17-17 2 aces); Aberdeen Christian 35-42 5 aces (Chloe Bosma 9-9 3 aces, Jolie Fogarty 8-10 1 ace, Payton Skarin 4-7 1 ace).
Hitting: Groton 68-77 22 kills (Sydney Leicht 23-23 9 kills, Aspen Johnson 8-9 5 kills, Anna Fjeldheim 16-17 4 kills); Aberdeen Christian 39-60 10 kills (Fogarty 5-5 4 kills, Bosma 9-13 3 kills, Skarin 9-15 2 kills).
Setting: Groton 16 assists (Fliehs 16 assists); Aberdeen Christian 83-90 10 assists (Fogarty 82-82 10 assists).
Digs: Groton 27 (Leicht 9, Guthmiller 6, Fliehs 5); Aberdeen Christian 44 (Alexis Isakson 20, Bosma 9, Eilene Hulscher 5).
Blocks: Groton 3 (Johnson 1 solo 1 assist, Hollie Frost 1 assist, Lydia Meier 1 assist, Leicht 1 assist); Aberdeen Christian 0.
Records: Groton 1-1; Aberdeen Christian 0-3.
