The girls volleyball team continued to play at a high level as they polished off Carlton, Hinkley, Hudson; Aitkin and Cathedral to improve to 17-3.

 

Last Saturday, Becker traveled to Mora and came home with a championship, beating four teams in straight sets to capture the crown.

 

From the first game to the last, Kristina Sloan’s team Becker Bulldogs “got after it”.

 

“They stayed competitive the entire day no matter the team,” she said. “The hitters knew how to put the ball away, our passing game was on and the setters (Daisy Kent and Brinley Zoller) were able to really connect with the hitters.” 

 

Sloan said it was nice to see them play volleyball like they did in the beginning of the season. 

 

“With the loss of a teammate due to injury, we have really had to switch things around and trying to get back the flow isn’t easy,” she said. “But this Mora tournament allowed us to work out those kinks and play the game we know how.” 

 

 Game one was a victory over Carlton, 25-21, 25-18. In game two, Becker battled  Hinkley and came away with a 25-17, 25-7 win.

 

 In the first playoff game of the tournament, Becker ousted Hudson, 25-21 and 25-17 to gain the title match.

 

Against Aitkin, Becker proved their mettle, besting the Gobblers, 25-22 and 25-23.

 

Alexa Hanowski had 42 digs for the Bulldogs and  Carly Baumgartner had 18 digs and three aces.

 

Kent tallied 24 set assists and three aces and Zoller had 33 set assists and three aces.

 

Sam Angell recorded 20 kills, four blocks, 19 digs and seven aces; Kalie Jergens had 28 kills, two blocks, 16 digs and three aces; Kalley Anderson finished with 23 kills, 11 blocks and three aces; Hope Amundson had nine kills, seven blocks and one ace and Jessica Gruber had 10 kills and 10 blocks.

 

 

Playing against one of Granite Ridge conference best teams Tuesday at home brought out the best from the Bulldogs volleyball team.  

 

“We went into the game knowing this game could determine the conference leader,” said Sloan. “Both teams battled for each win.” 

 

Becker won the first match 28-26, then Cathedral took set two 25-22. The Bulldogs rebounded and won set three, 25-20 before Cathedral showed their fortitude, beating Becker in set four, 25-23.

 

Finally, the Bulldogs made their coach (and fans) proud by breaking the hearts fo the Crusaders in the final set, 15-11 to take home the big win.

 

“We had the lead the entire last game which kept their spirits high allowing them to get up and terminate the ball,” said Sloan.  “This match was based on which team was hitting aggressively.  When we ran aggressive routes we seemed to take the win.” 

 

Sloan said she and her players talked a lot this week about hitting different shots and making the defense move.  

 

“Freshman hitter Jessica Gruber has really taken to the middle position and had a great night making the Cathedral defense have to work to get a block on her,” said the head coach. “These girls keep getting better each time they step onto the court and I’m excited to see how far we can go with the rest of the season.”

 

 

The Lady Bulldogs took on Milaca at home Friday night (full result from match in next week’s Citizen). They then travel to Bloomington to take on the Jaguars Saturday morning, then play at Foley Tuesday night.