VB starts with 2 losses

In what has been anything but a normal year, it might not be too unusual to see the first matches of Holyoke High School volleyball season being played in the spring.

The first two matches of the season did not go the Lady Dragons’ way, as the varsity team lost in straight sets to Merino and in five sets to Sedgwick County on the home court in a tri on Saturday, March 27. Saturday’s volleyball action was the first sporting event played in the newly renovated HHS gym.

Holyoke 0, Merino 3

HHS lost to Merino in three sets: 15-25, 15-25, 17-25.

Coach Michelle Vieselmeyer called the Merino match a test of what the Lady Dragons can do well and what they need to work on.

She noted that this is a brand new team and the girls haven’t had a chance to compete together.

“We learned a lot,” Vieselmeyer said, adding that without the opportunity to go to summer volleyball camps due to pandemic restrictions, many of the girls were playing together for the first time.

“We definitely were being very timid and played a little reserved,” she said. The team will work on getting more confident and playing more aggressively in future matches, which will allow them to capitalize on key moments, she added.

Kristin Vieselmeyer led in attacks with 34, including nine kills. Elise Krogmeier had 31 attacks, including six kills. They also had two blocks apiece.

Kristin served 10 times with two aces, and Audrey Talavera had two aces on seven serves. Krogmeier and Elyce Talavera each served eight times. Sabryn Burris served six times and had one ace.

Tamara Penzing had 28 serve receptions and 21 digs.

Elyce Talavera set the ball 96 times, assisting with 20 kills.

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