Posted: 11/9/05
Volleyball team takes 2nd in 7AAA
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Joe Drennan
Sports Editor
Going into the 2005 season Forest Lake High School volleyball coach Sherri Alm felt her team had the talent to finish in the top half of the Suburban East Conference and challenge for a section 7AAA title. A 5-3 record in conference play put the Rangers in the top half of the SEC, then last Thursday they completed the second part of Almís hopes for the season by playing Hibbing in the 7AAA title game.
The Rangers defeated Duluth East 3-0 to advance to the title game, but Hibbing overpowered the Rangers 3-1.
Last Tuesday in the 7AAA semifinals the Rangers had little trouble with Duluth East in the first two games as they defeated them 25-16, 25-12. Sensing their season was about to end Duluth East played a bit tougher in the third game, but the Rangers still won 25-22 to advance to the 7AAA championship game.
Megan McKenzie led the Rangers in serving against Duluth East, going 23 for 24 for a 96 percent serving percentage. MeKenzie also had 18 points with five aces and 30 setting assists.
Courtney Trenti and Pam Nora each had nine kills in the victory, Megan Becker had seven. Nora had 13 digs with McKenzie and Nicole Tetrault each having 12.
Last Thursday the Rangers took a 1-0 lead against Hibbing when they won the first game 25-23. Hibbing bounced back and won the second game 25-22 despite a late comeback by the Rangers. Hibbing dominated the third game, winning it 25-10. In the fourth game the Rangers were fighting to keep their season alive, but Hibbing had a trip to the state tournament in sight and won the game 25-22, winning the match 3-1.
Trenti served at 100 percent in the loss to Hibbing, going 19 for 19. Tetrault and McKenzie also served at 100 percent as Tetrault went 11 for 11 and McKenzie went 12 for 12.
Chelsie Sobieck had 14 kills for a .231 kill efficiency.
ìChelsie really had a great game,î Alm said. ìItís great to know that sheís only a sophomore.î
Trenti had eight kills, Kelly Bohnen and Megan Becker each added five.
ìWe had some nice hits even though we are not as big a team as most others we play against,î Alm said.
McKenzie led the Rangers with 29 digs with Nora not far behind with 24. Tetrault had 23 digs and McKenzie Gemeiner had 16.
ìOur defense was a huge reason we were in the games,î Alm said. ìThe girls were playing with a ton of intensity and hard. They made some amazing plays and I am very proud of this team and the teamwork they displayed.î
While the Rangers had six seniors on this yearís team, they will have plenty of returning players next year that have varsity experience.
ìWe will be returning so many girls next year that I hope we are ready,î Alm said. ìTheyíve already started to work hard for next year.î
Alm also noted the strong support for the Rangers at the match in Mora, expressing her appreciation not only for their support in Mora but over the entire season.
With seven players on this yearís team returning to play in 2006 Rangers fans will have plenty to cheer about.
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