CHISHOLM— Three weeks into the volleyball season, Section 7A teams are still looking for a way to blemish Ely’s perfect season. In a busy week, the Wolves added six more straight set victories to improve to 9-0.
On Monday, the Wolves didn’t let a slow start keep them from their latest match win as they downed the Bluestreaks 25-21, 25-17, and 25-13.
“It took us a little while to get into a rhythm on the court but once we found our groove, we were able to complete the plays,” said Ely Head Coach Megan Wognum. “Chisholm did a great job of placing the ball where we had holes and it was excellent practice for us to work on staying low and ready on defense.”
Senior middle hitter Lilli Rechichi led the way with 15 kills on the night along with nine digs, while sophomore Audrey Kallberg had an impressive showing as well, with eight kills, 12 digs, three solo blocks and three ace serves. Senior Clare Thomas posted nine kills and five digs, while sophomore Charlotte Hegman added four kills and six digs. Sophomore setter Gretta Lowe notched 31 assists and 14 digs.
“Offensively, we ran some different plays and tried some new things that worked well for us,” said Wognum. “It was a great game that will help us grow as a team.”
The Wolves got a look at several other teams as they dominated last Saturday’s Greenway tournament in Coleraine, winning eight straight sets against four different opponents to take first in the tournament for the second year in a row.
After dumping Cherry in straight sets last Thursday, the Wolves showed it wasn’t a fluke as they dispatched the Tigers on Saturday, 25-13, 25-7. Audrey Kallberg had a strong performance, leading with eight kills and six digs.
The Wolves had no trouble against Mesabi East, winning 25-10, 25-14. Lilli Rechichi and Audrey Kallberg each posted six kills in the match.
Mora presented Ely its toughest challenge as the Mustangs held close in a 25-21 first set before Ely dominated the second set in a 25-13 victory. Kallberg posted ten kills and seven digs in the match, while Rechichi added six kills and 11 digs. Thomas added five kills and four digs.
Rechichi had another big match in the tournament, this time against Greenway, posting 15 kills and seven digs to lead the Wolves to a 25-15, 25-17 match win. Kallberg added six kills and seven digs while Thomas added four kills and six digs. Lowe notched 22 set assists and eight digs.
The Wolves were set to host Mesabi East on Thursday and will stay at home to meet I-Falls next Tuesday, Sept. 17.