Bluejays move to 8-0 in NLC

It was another win for the Three Lakes varsity volleyball team in Northern Lakes Conference play, as the team moved to 8-0 to lead the conference with a 3-0 sweep at Elcho last Thursday night.

The Jays battled in a close first set, winning by a tight 27-25 score, before cruising to a 25-12 win in the second and 25-16 in the third to claim the victory.

Serving was a struggle in the first, as the team missed a handful of serves throughout the opening set on the road, but ultimately came away with the victory.

“We struggled, with six missed serves in the first set, but managed to squeak out a 27-25 win,” said Three Lakes Head Coach Betsy Gruszynski.

The coaching staff credited Elcho with the effort and energy to try to steal the opening set away from the visiting Jays.

“The Hornets came out with high energy and quickly reminded the Jays of last year’s meeting in Elcho, as senior Hornet libero Kayla Siemers dominated the defense. Coupled with the setting hands of Isabelle Multhauf and outside hitter Hannah Schmidt, the Hornets put up a strong fight,” Gruszynski stated.

Things came more naturally for the Jays in the second set, as Three Lakes tied things at 1-1 after a double-digit victory.

They followed that up with another dominant victory in the third, winning by nine to close things out.

Multiple players led the team statistically, which helped the team win with another well-rounded performance.

“Freshman Kaylynn Klein led in aces and blocks, sophomore Malia Szews led in serve rating and kills, senior Kailyn Fogerty led in assists and hitting percentage, sophomore Cora Johnson led in receive and sophomore Bella Kowalkowski led the defense in digs,” explained Gruszysnki.

She said it was a full team effort, which has been a common denominator this season, with so many strong players at multiple positions.

The Jays also took their 17-4 overall record to Wautoma this past Saturday and played in five different matches.

After a busy Saturday of play, the Jays came away 4-1 on the day with a 2-1 set loss to Montello, a 2-1 win over Rosholt and 2-0 wins over Wautoma, Rhinelander and Lomira.

Three Lakes will look to make it nine straight in the NLC as the next match is a home match versus Goodman-Pembine this Thursday, Sept. 18, at 6 p.m. The Bluejays will then travel to another Invitational this weekend in Suring to compete against teams like Bowler, Elcho, Goodman-Pembine, Lourdes Academy, Phelps, Stockbridge, Suring and Wausaukee.