Erynn Rohrer
Sept. 17 in Mountain Lake MCC 3, MLAC 0
The MCC Rebel Volleyball team returned to the court for their first Red Rock Conference game of the season on Thursday. The Rebels traveled to Mountain Lake to take on the Wolverines of Mountain Lake Area Comfrey. The Rebels picked up their first two wins of the season the past weekend in Shakopee but on Thursday they would play a conference opponent who was motivated for their first win of the season after losing their first 7 games of the year. The Rebels would not allow MLAC to get on track.
The Rebels were aggressive all game long and it started with a solid block near the net which didn’t allow MLAC to get clean looks. The Rebels back line did a great job of covering the floor and then passing to the correct spots on the floor to set up the offense. Offensively, the Rebels went to their star hitter Reese Gilbertson who dominated the night, hitting both at the net and in the backrow. Reese finished the night with 14 kills while Erynn Rohrer, Kat Miller, and the rest of the Rebels made strong contributions when their name was called. The Rebels got the three game sweep over the Wolverines 25-13, 25-16, and 25-18.
It was a strong showing by the Rebels, who controlled the tempo of the game and after getting off to a great start, responded well when MLAC scored more than a couple points in a row. MCC remained aggressive with the serve against the young Wolverines, playing a very complete game for their first Red Rock Conference win of the year. The Rebels’ record improved to 3 and 4 with the win. The Rebels have a day to enjoy the victory before playing in the JCC tournament Saturday in Jackson.
Sept. 19 in Jackson
The Murray County Central Volleyball team lost their first four games of the season, but has gotten back on track with three straight wins, beating Rochester Mayo, Southwest Christian (Chaska), and MLAC. The Rebels were now off to play in the JCC tournament in Jackson which featured several ranked teams. MCC continued their strong play over the last week taking 3rd place in the tournament.
The Rebels opened the tournament against Big South Opponent St James and the Rebels got the win 2-0, winning the sets 25-17 and 25-16. Pool play continued with the Rebels taking on Martin County West who was 7-0 on the season and state ranked coming into the tournament. The Rebels played well, beating the Mavericks 2514 and 25-10. That put the Rebels in the winner’s bracket of the tournament, playing Jackson County Central who was state ranked in Class AA. The Rebels played a solid game, but the Huskies were to much, beating the Rebels 25-23 and 25-18. That put the Rebels against Windom Area in the third place game. Windom was 9-1 going into Saturday but the Rebels got the win 25-22 and 25-15 to take third place. It was a great day for Rebel volleyball as they continue to show improvement while playing without one of their best players.
Reese Gilbertson led the Rebels with 24 kills and 19 digs on the day showing her two-way play on offense and defense. Erynn Rohrer had 42 set assists and 14 kills as the Rebel starting setter. Addison Swenson added 11 kills and Kat Miller added 4 ace blocks. The Rebels are now 6 and 5 on the season with Red Rock Conference games this week. The Rebels play host to HBC on Tuesday night and travel to SWC on Thursday.
Sept. 22 in Slayton HBC 1, MCC 3
The MCC Rebel Volleyball team started the season losing its first four games but since then, the Rebels have been on fire. The Rebels had six wins and five losses heading into Tuesday night’s first home game against Hills Beaver Creek. Each team was playing their second Red Rock Conference game of the season. The Patriots were 0-1 with a loss to Edgerton Public and MCC was 1-0 with a win over MLAC. Tuesday saw the Rebels continue their winning ways.
MCC fell behind 3-0 in the first game but once they got a sideout they dominated the first set. The Rebels got everyone involved as Addison Swenson and Erynn Rohrer had 4 kills each in the first game. Reese Gilbertson and Kat Miller dominated at the service line as MCC won game one 25 to 9. The second set was very similar, but it was Gilbertson who got the shots - six kills as the Rebels took the second set 25 to 13. The Patriots would respond in game four as the Rebels worked in some new faces, with Chloe Kremer getting a couple of kills. The Patriots, led by Brynn Bakken and Ella Rheault, took the set 25 to 21. The Patriots jumped out to a 10-1 lead in the fourth and it was Reese Gilbertson who righted the ship. With MCC down 10-2 after the sideout, Gilbertson scored 7 points on her serve to get the Rebels within one. MCC pulled away in the rest of the fourth set to win 25 to 17.
The Rebels are now 7 and 1 in their last 8 games with the only loss coming to JCC. Reese Gilbertson led the Rebels with 14 kills. Addison Swenson added 8 kills and Erynn Rohrer had 8 kills and 6 aces. Kat Miller had a great game serving for the Rebels as they moved to 2-0 in the Red Rock Conference. Brynn Bakken led the Patriots with 10 kills, but it wasn’t nearly enough. The Rebels will play SWC on Thursday in Edgerton.
Kat Miller
