Varsity volleyball team takes state champs to five sets

Back-to-back games over the weekend left Holyoke High School varsity volleyball girls with a five-set loss to Yuma at home Friday, Oct. 4, followed by a huge win in Caliche Saturday.

Holyoke 2, Yuma 3

Holyoke started strong against the reigning state champs Friday, with a 25-22 win in the first set. However, the next two went in Yuma’s favor 25-15 and 25-22.

Coach Michelle Vieselmeyer said her team really fought hard to come back for a 25-18 win in set No. 4. The final set was a tough one for the Lady Dragons, with a 10-15 loss to Yuma.

Vieselmeyer commended the team’s serving effort. She said they need to work toward being more aggressive on the court while making fewer mistakes.

She once again pointed to the mental toughness required in a game like volleyball. In reference to Yuma, she said every team is a new team and the Holyoke girls need to go into each game believing they can win.

Vieselmeyer said she hopes they will be able to play Yuma again later in the season — this time with an outcome in Holyoke’s favor.

The Lady Dragons racked up some good stats after five intense games on Friday.

Kristin Vieselmeyer totaled the most spikes for the Lady Dragons with 40 including 25 kills. She also had four blocks.

Setter Emily Jelden handled the ball 45 times including 36 assists for kills.

Elise Krogmeier led serving stats with 18 including four aces. Tamara Penzing had 45 serve receives, followed by Vieselmeyer with 41.

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