Lady Bulldogs Take Fifth at Eastern Volleyball Classic

The Milbank Lady Bulldogs came away with a consolation championship fifth place finish at the Eastern Volleyball Classic Saturday, September 23, at Tri-Valley High School. Milbank’s season record now sits at 7-7.

Milbank fell 2-1 to Tea Area in the first round of the tournament. The Lady Bulldogs edged out the Titans 25-23 in the opening set. Tea Area came back to win the next two sets and the match at 22-25 and 13-25.

Molly Rick led Milbank with 13 kills on 32-35 hitting, one ace on 13-13 serving, and 11 digs. Jaecy Engebretson followed closely with 12 kills on 25-28 hitting, nine assists on 29-30 setting, and 11 digs. Other team leaders were Jaden Hoeke, 9-9 serving and one block, and Gabbi Cummins, eight assists on 23-23 setting.

Milbank battled back in the consolation round to defeat Tri-Valley 2-1. The Lady Bulldogs fell 14-25 in the opening set, but rallied to win the next two at 25-14 and 25-21.

Rick led the Lady Bulldogs with seven kills. Engbretson tallied four kills, three aces, and eight assists. Cummins chipped in three assists, two aces, two blocks, and 14 digs. Hoeke had 15 digs, and MaKayla Johnson, one block.

Milbank dominated in the consolation championship match and defeated Sisseton 2-0. Final scores were 25-13 and 25-15.

Engebretson led the Lady Bulldogs with eight kills on 15-16 hitting, one ace on 11-13 serving, and 14 assists on 21-21 setting. Cummins followed with eight kills on 11-13 hitting and three assists on 14-14 setting. Rick contributed eight digs; Hoeke, two aces on 10-11 serving; Johnson, one block; and Maty Lightfield, seven digs.

Dakota Valley defeated Tea Area in the championship match. Elk Point-Jefferson downed Winner to take third place, and Tri-Valley defeated Chamberlain for seventh place.

Milbank will host Tiospa Zina Tuesday, September 26, before traveling to face the Hamlin Chargers in Hayti Thursday, September 28.