Milbank Falls in Battle of the Bulldogs

The Lady Bulldogs suffered a 3-0 loss in the volleyball Battle of the Bulldogs October 10, in Madison. Milbank Area fell to 8-11 for the season.

Milbank Area trailed 6-1 early in the opening set. Solid hitting by Madison and unforced errors by Milbank Area brought the score to 18-14 midway through the set. Madison then went on a seven point run to end the first set at 25-14.

The second set was nearly identical to the first. Milbank Area fell behind early at 6-1 and continued to trail at 17-3. Milbank Area went on a short run late in the set, but could not get any closer. They lost 25-14.

In the third set, Milbank Area surged ahead at 16-11 with blocks by Gabbi Cummins and Jaden Hoeke and an ace by Cummins. Madison inched their way back into the game, but Milbank Area remained ahead at 22-18. Madison then produced four consecutive points to even the score at 22-22. The teams exchanged several kills and were knotted up again at 23-23 and 24-24. Two final errors by Milbank Area gave Madison the set win at 26-24 and the 3-0 match victory.

Molly Rick led Milbank Area with seven kills, one ace, and eight digs. Jaecy Engebretson added seven kills and had five setting assists. Makayla Johnson had two aces. Cummins, had eight digs and two blocks. Maty Lightfield made eight assists, and Hoeke had one block.

The Lady Bulldogs host Redfield-Doland Thursday, October 12, at the Milbank Armory. The C and JV teams begin at 6 p.m. Varsity follows.

Lady Bulldogs starters: (l. to r.) Jaecy Engebretson, Molly Rick, Jaden Hoeke, Maty Lightfield, Makayla Johnson, and Gabbi Cummins.