Volleyball girls look for mental toughness

The Holyoke High School Lady Dragon volleyball team had a busy week on the court.

Tuesday, Sept. 17, the team traveled to Merino, where they lost to the Rams in three sets. Then on Saturday, Sept. 21, Holyoke hosted a triangular with Idalia and Prairie. HHS defeated Idalia in three sets, followed by a three-set loss to Prairie.

Coach Michelle Vieselmeyer said the team is struggling with the mental aspect of the game. For instance, in the Merino and Prairie games, the girls had already decided the outcome of the game before they even stepped foot on the court simply based on the reputation of the other team.

On the other hand, in the Idalia game, Vieselmeyer saw a team that was much more relaxed with more determination and not as many mistakes.

She is hoping the team will continue to build more confidence throughout the season. She commended the freshmen players who have stepped up to new positions on varsity this year.

Holyoke 0, Merino 3

The Lady Dragons fell to Merino 21-25, 21-25 and 14-25.

Kristin Vieselmeyer led attacks with 33, including 26 kills. She also had five blocks.

Emily Jelden set the ball 70 times with 37 assists for kills.

Kylie Purkeypile and Vieselmeyer both served 12 times.

Tamara Penzing grabbed 11 digs, and she and Vieselmeyer had 23 serve receives apiece.

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