BRITTON – Aberdeen Roncalli executed its game plan and collected a road victory over Britton-Hecla Thursday night.
The Cavaliers won the Northeast Conference volleyball match by set scores of 25-20, 25-22, 25-19.
“I felt Britton-Hecla was very comparable to us,” said Roncalli coach Leesa Ware. “They are a good defensive team and offensive as well.”
The Cavaliers were able to exploit some openings in the defense of the Braves that helped to produce some high-percentage offense.
“I told the girls which spots were open and to get them out of system as much as we could,” Ware said. “The girls executed this very well. We were able to take advantage of a lot of free balls coming our way and run different routes to get their defense out of system. I think that was the key.”
Gabby Thomas led the Roncalli offense with a match-leading 13 kills. Rylee Voeller followed with nine, while Grace Cogley added eight.
Abigail Lee topped Britton-Hecla with six kills. Maddi Micko finished with three aces.
Roncalli, 11-6 on the season, competes in the Northwestern Tournament on Saturday in Mellette.
“Huge tournament this weekend. We are eager to play some tough competition in our pools,” Ware said. “I’m excited to see how the girls come out.”
Serving: Aberdeen Roncalli (Rylee Voeller 1 ace, Jill Ellwein 1 ace, Ava Danielson 1 ace, Danich Zacher 1 ace); Britton-Hecla 53-61 4 aces (Maddi Micko 14-14 3 aces, Brynlee Schmieg 8-11 1 ace).
Hitting: Aberdeen Roncalli (Gabby Thomas 13 kills, Voeller 9 kills, Grace Cogley 8 kills, Karsyn Davis 6 kills); Britton-Hecla 124-137 19 kills (Abigail Lee 21-24 6 kills, Jaelee Grupe 17-18 3 kills, Daynika Zuehlke 25-29 3 kills, Micko 25-27 3 kills, Karlie Zuehlke 26-29 3 kills).
Setting: Aberdeen Roncalli (Elyana Roasch 33 assists, Danielson 4 assists); Britton-Hecla 133-133 18 assists (Grupe 97-97 14 assists).
Digs: Aberdeen Roncalli (Voeller 21, Morgan Helms 15, Cambry Feickert 14); Britton-Hecla 92 (Ava Tevedal 27, D. Zuehlk 20, Grupe 13, Schmieg 13).
Blocks: Aberdeen Roncalli (Thomas 1 solo 2 assists, Roach 2 assists); Britton-Hecla 10 assists (Lee 4, Grupe 3).
Records: Aberdeen Roncalli 11-6; Britton-Hecla 11-9.
