HARRISBURG – Top-rated Harrisburg showed off its top billing Thursday evening, handing Aberdeen Central a straight-sets decision in Class AA volleyball action. The host Tigers won by set scores of 25-6, 25-16 and 25-11.
The Tigers came into the match ranked 10th in the nation in the latest AVCA Super 25 poll, up five spots from the previous week.
And it showed on Thursday.
Harrisburg limited the Golden Eagles to a dozen total kills and no player with more than three.
Conversely, the Tigers were strong both at the net and at the service line. Senior Gabi Zachariasen finished with 16 kills and six aces. Lindsay Langner had four aces and 17 digs, while Bergen Stiff notched a match-best 17 kills.
“They are really good,” said Central coach Jackie Bindenagel. “Hitters come at you from every position.”
Lauryn Burckhard and Kamdyn Borge had three kills apiece. Alivia Miller finished with Central’s lone ace of the night along with five assists, while Taylin Kleffman tallied nine digs.
Central will turn its attention to a Mitchell squad that is receiving votes in the latest Class AA media poll. The Kernels are 12-4 and visit Golden Eagles Arena Tuesday for a 7 p.m. first serve.
Serving: Aberdeen Central 25-30 1 ace (Alivia Miller 4-5 1 ace); Harrisburg 14 aces (Gabi Zachariasen 7, Lindsey Langner 4).
Hitting: Aberdeen Central 49-59 12 kills (Lauryn Burckhard 13-16 3 kills, Kamdyn Borge 7-9 3 kills); Harrisburg 43 kills (Bergan Stiff 17, Zachariasen 16).
Setting: Aberdeen Central 58-58 12 assists (Miller 32-32 5 assists, Camryn Albrecht 17-17 4 assists); Harrisburg 38 assists (Josalyn Samuels 36).
Digs: Aberdeen Central 26 (Taylin Kleffman 9, Kenadi Withers 4); Harrisburg 44 (Langner 17).
Blocks: Aberdeen Central 6 assists (Karlie Nieman 3 assists).
Records: Aberdeen Central 12-9; Harrisburg 22-2.