Lady Bulldogs Cruise to First Win of Volleyball Season

The Lady Bulldogs volleyball team played a 3-0 shutout game against the Britton-Hecla Braves on October 10 at home. It was their first victory of the 2020 season and boosts Milbank’s record to 1-8.

“It’s a relief to finally get that “W,” stated the Lady Bulldogs’ head coach, Nancy Hoeke. “I’m really happy the girls are able to celebrate and feel good about their success.”

In the first set, the score teetered back and forth until Milbank went ahead at 23-17 with two aces by Jessica Van Peursem. Averie Engebretson made back-to-back kills to seal the win at 25-19.

Milbank fell behind at the start of the second set, but came back with a 12-9 lead, following a kill by Madi Thue. The Lady Bulldogs then took charge and went on to secure the win at 25-18.

The third set was all Milbank. The Lady Bulldogs soared ahead at 19-5 and didn’t look back en route to a 25-19 win. Thue belted out a another kill for the final point of the match.

“I thought we did a good job of minimizing our errors,” said Coach Hoeke. “Up until the end, we stayed aggressive and tried to keep them on their heels. We wanted to be more unpredictable, and I think we did a good job of mixing it up.”

“I’m glad we’re back playing,” Hoeke added. “I sure hope we can finish the season without any more delays, illnesses, or a bunch of quarantines.”
Thue led the offensive attack for Milbank with 10 kills on 17-21 hitting. She dropped in three aces on 12-12 serving and had 16 digs. Engebretson followed with seven kills on 26-28 hitting, 22 assists on 42-42 setting, two aces on 8-9 serving, and seven digs.  Siri Bien chipped in with six kills on 17-21 hitting and one ace on 9-9 serving.  Casside Seezs added six kills on 14-15 hitting, two aces on 7-7 serving, and two digs.

Van Peursem helped run the offense with 11 assists on 27-27 setting, two aces on 14-15 serving, two kills on 5-5 hitting, and three digs.  Hallie Schulte led the Lady Bulldog defense with 22 digs, 5-6 serving, two assists, and one kill.

Shelby Lee had two kills on 8-9 hitting; Lindsey Mertens, two kills on 5-8 hitting and five digs; Joci McFarland, one kill on 5-6 hitting; and Rachel Schulte, one kill on 1-3 hitting and one dig.