ELY— The Timberwolves volleyball squad will have a tough time improving on last year’s remarkable 30-2 season, but the reigning Section 7A champs got off to a solid start in their 2023 season debut on Monday by topping an improved Northeast Range team in the Vermilion college gym in straight sets.
Ely won 25-6, 25-15, and 25-13.
“We are all hoping for a successful season, but we are taking each game one at a time,” said Ely Head Coach Megan Wognum.
The Wolves showed a balanced attack with solid statistics from a half dozen players. Hannah Penke led in kills with 12, along with seven digs and two aces. Lilli Rechichi added seven kills, four digs, two solo blocks and as many blocking assists, while Audrey Kallberg added three kills, 13 digs, and two block assists. Clare Thomas posted six kills, five aces, four digs, and two blocking assists, while setter Sarah Visser marked 19 assists, three aces, and three digs.
The Wolves continued their winning ways on Tuesday, although it took four sets to send Greenway home with a loss. The Raiders showed pluck in the first set, handing Ely their first set loss of the young season, 25-23. But the Wolves got their footing in the second set and never looked back, besting Greenway 25-16, 25-17, and 25-14 the rest of the way to take the match in convincing fashion.
Lilli Rechichi had a huge night, notching 19 kills,18 digs, and three aces, while Hannah Penke posted 16 kills, 20 digs, and four aces. Kallberg added seven kills, 20 digs, and four aces, while Thomas tallied nine kills and four digs. Visser had a strong outing as well, posting 30 set assists and ten digs. Amelia Penke added 18 set assists, nine digs, and three kills, while Sadie Rechichi tallied 14 digs.
Wognum said she likes what she’s seen in the team’s first two outings. “We are becoming more strategic with our play and challenging each other to try new things this year. It has been a great start so far!”
The Wolves will face their next test on Tuesday when they take on Littlefork-Big Falls, in Littlefork.