WARNER – Aberdeen Christian gave Warner a push, but could not topple the second-rated Monarchs Thursday night, falling to the host squad in straight sets in the season opener for both teams. Warner won the Lake Region Conference contest 25-14, 26-24 and 25-22.
While the set scores indicated a contested affair, particularly in the final two stanzas of the match, the Monarchs held a definite upper hand in nearly every statistical category. Warner finished with 43 total kills, including 13 from Jaycee Jung, 11 from Miah Leidholt and nine from Kaydee Mackner.
Jolie Fogarty led the way for the Knights with five kills.
The Knights did, however, put together a coordinated defensive effort with three players in double figures in terms of digs. Jacie Fogarty led the way with a dozen, followed by Mia Ramirez and Payton Skarin with 10 each.
Tatum Hanson and Claire Bakeberg handed out a combined 29 assists to guide the Monarchs at the net.
Christian heads to Waverly-South Shore on Tuesday to continue its campaign, while Warner will host Webster on Tuesday.
Serving: Aberdeen Christian (Payton Skarin 1 ace, Jacie Fogarty 1 ace); Warner 63-75 1 ace (Claire Bakeberg 6-8 1 ace).
Hitting: Aberdeen Christian (Jolie Fogarty 5 kills, Sophie Glynn 3, Arianna Johnson 3, Reagan Jett 2); Warner 92-114 43 kills (Jaycee Jung 26-37 13 kills, Miah Leidholt 17-21 11 kills, Kaydee Mackner 19-22 9 kills).
Setting: Aberdeen Christian (Sawyer Schwan 11 assists); Warner 110-113 38 assists (Tatum Hanson 45-47 15 assists, Bakeberg 35-36 14 assists).
Digs: Aberdeen Christian (Skarin 10, Ja. Fogarty 12, Mia Ramirez 10). Warner (Keira Steger 16, Jung 13).
Blocks: Aberdeen Christian (Johnson 2 solo 2 assisted); Warner 10 assists (Leidholt 4, Kya Townsend 2, Lilly Meehan 2).
Records: Aberdeen Christian 0-1; Warner 1-0.
