Brielle Plotz
The MCC Rebels have been playing some really good volleyball over the last three weeks but on Monday they took on their toughest test so far in the Red Rock Conference. The Rebels, who were 3-0 in conference play, took on the Westbrook Walnut Grove Chargers, who were 2-1 in conference play this season. The Rebels had not beaten the Chargers sinse October 25, 2021. The Rebels were hoping to knock off the Chargers on Tuesday night to establish themselves as one of the top three teams in the Red Rock Conference but also one of the top three teams in the sub-section for the upcoming playoffs. MCC gave a great effort, but the Chargers defense proved to be too much.
In volleyball you need to score points to win, which often leads people to overlook defense. On Tuesday night the Chargers proved what great defense can do to an opponent. The Rebels probably had as many open shots in three sets as they have had in any game this season, but the Chargers placed defenders in the right positions to cut down on wide open shots. When the Rebels looked to go down a line, more times than not the Chargers block would be in good position. If the Rebels tried to go cross court with a shot, the Chargers were in the right place to keep the ball in the air.
The Rebels led most of the first set. MCC led 17-16 when the Chargers tied the game with a sideout and Leah Van-DeWiele scored seven straight service points. WWG took set one 25 to 19. The second set was tighter yet, but the Rebels top hitter Reese Gilbertson didn’t get as many openings to score. The Charger block was as close as they could be to her on every shot. The Chargers took set two 25 to 23. WWG took the 3-game sweep by winning set three 25 to 16.
Natasha Wahl and Myah Mazino led the Chargers attack, with Wahl totaling 12 kills. Mazino finished second on the team in kills but was tops in blocks for the Chargers. Hadley Jenniges and VanDeWiele did a great job of keeping the ball alive for their teammates. Gilbertson led the Rebels with 7 kills but she had only 2 the final two sets of the game after 5 in set one. Addison Swenson and Kat Miller had 5 each. The Rebels will be back in action Thursday night in Slayton when they host the Edgerton Flying Dutchmen.
