MELLETTE – Second-rated Northwestern was up to the challenge Thursday night.
The Wildcats were pushed by Aberdeen Christian and came away with a 25-21, 25-23, 25-20 win in the semifinals of Region 1B volleyball. It was Northwestern’s 13th straight win, and snapped Christian’s eight-match winning streak.
Northwestern improved to 34-2 on the season with the hard-fought victory.
“We’re having a good season, just kind of rolling right along,” said Northwestern coach Nora Groft said. “And now is the time of year you want to be winning.”
After battling through injuries during the regular season, the Wildcats have their full lineup back and are playing some of their best volleyball of the season, according to Groft.
Despite the sweep, Groft said there is still room for improvement, especially in terms of communicating on the court.
“We just had way too many miscommunication errors,” Groft said. “It was really loud in here tonight.”
While the Knights were in each of the three sets, they were unable to secure any of them.
Christian coach Sally Stoebner was proud of her team’s effort, but said her players got a bit nervous on the big points.
“I think we just kind of freaked out a little bit at moments,” Stoebner said. “I think we just need to kind of stay cool and chill.”
Christian showed flashes of strong play throughout the match, particularly from the service line. Sawyer Schwan provided a spark for the Knights with three aces, helping keep the sets close and energizing her teammates.
Stoebner credited Schwan for changing the rhythm of the match with her serves.
“She put them out of their system,” Stoebner said. “They couldn’t set their best player.”
Northwestern’s Ashley Haven had a match-leading 15 kills.
“I’m just always looking for spots that are open for our offense,” Haven said.
Jolie Fogarty and Sadie Glynn each finished with nine kills for the Knights.
Christian was in contention in each set (including being tied at 23-23 in the second set), but ultimately the Wildcats found ways to win the big points.
While the Knights were unable to secure a set, they finished their season with a strong effort.
“We definitely got a bit sloppy during those longer rallies,” Fogarty said. “But I think we did good tonight, and it was definitely one of our best games this year.”
The Wildcats, who have not lost to a Class B opponent all season, will continue their campaign by competing in the SoDak 16 against Castlewood on Tuesday.
Haven said this year’s squad has a nice mix of experience and youth.
“This team is just so fun,” Haven said. “We have a handful of seniors with good knowledge, and a great group of young girls coming up who are amazing and push us to always get better.”
Serving: Aberdeen Christian 10 aces (Sawyer Schwan 3 aces, Ari Johnson 3 aces, Ali Isakson 2 aces); Northwestern 68-73 5 aces (Brenna Halvorson 16-17 2 aces, Sophia Troske 9-10 1 ace, Ashley Haven 7-8 1 ace).
Hitting: Aberdeen Christian (Jolie Fogarty 9 kills, Sophie Glynn 9 kills, Johnson 6 kills); Northwestern 103-121 40 kills (Haven 15 kills, Breelyn Satter 20-22 7 kills, Taylor Vetter 21-26 6 kills).
Setting: Aberdeen Christian (Schwan 21 assists); Northwestern 115-116 37 assists (Ella Boekelheide 92-93 33 assists, Tara Blachford 3 assists).
Digs: Aberdeen Christian 64 (Schwan 18, Payton Skarin 17, Ali Isakson 10); Northwestern 57 (Lila Johnson 14, Tara Blachford 10, Haven, 10).
Blocks: Aberdeen Christian Christian (Johnson 5, Sophia Eichler 3, Reagan Jett 2, Schwan 2); Northwestern 8 assists (Haven 3, Boekelheide 1).
Records: Aberdeen Christian 16-9; Northwestern 34-2.
