160th Article at the Independent

Minneota defeats Redwood, 3-1

CHRIS DRUMMOND

Sports Writer

MINNEOTA- The Minneota Vikings were in a tough battle with the Redwood Valley Cardinals.

In the first set, the Vikings scored a lot of their points off of Cardinals unforced errors and were able to close them out 25-18 to take a one set lead.

However, the Cardinals would respond.

Despite the Viking going on a 9-0 run and retaking

the lead from the Cardinals, they would come back and tie the match up one set apiece winning 25-20.

The third set the Vikings came out and took control early with some kills by #7 and #3, along with several Cardinals unforced errors again. The Vikings discipline was on full display, not going for certain balls and realizing that would be beneficial for the Vikings. The Vikings would win the third set 25-16, taking a two set to one lead. The Redwood Valley Cardinals just played five matches Saturday afternoon and couldn’t generate the same energy as they did to win set two. The Vikings would close out the match in set four winning 25-9, holding the Cardinals to a combined 25 points in the last two sets.

Head coach Hayley Fruin spoke on the team’s victory.

“You gotta give credit to Redwood because they just came out and outworked us in the first two sets of the match,” Fruin said.”By sets three and four, we had regrouped. I thought we were more discipline, blocking well and attacking well too. It seemed like we were six individuals out there in the beginning more than connected as a team.

Fruin added that she advocated to her team how happy she was with the victory but wanted her team to know that we have to come out with energy because teams get up to play them.

Emma Bottelberghe and Ireland Stassen for the Vikings led the team in kills with eight. Stassen also had 29 assists, three blocks, 10 digs and served two aces on the night as well.

The Minneota Vikings are now (10-1) on the season and (4-0) in conference play. The Vikings will travel next to face off against the MACCRAY Wolverines Tuesday evening