INTERNATIONAL FALLS— A huge night for Ely lifted the Timberwolves to a straight set victory over the Broncos here Tuesday night, 25-21, 25-19, and 25-14. It was a nice recovery after the Wolves dropped only their second match of the season last Thursday, to Mesabi East.
“We were really able to pick up the digs tonight,” noted Ely Head Coach Megan Wognum, as her team notched a combined total of 55 digs on the night. “This was key to getting our offense set up for success. It was nice to see some aces in the mix as well.”
Multiple players had big nights for the Wolves. Junior Rachel Coughlin posted ten kills, ten digs, five aces, and three blocked shots, while senior Kellen Thomas tallied 11 kills, nine digs, two aces, and a blocked shot. Senior Charly Flom added ten digs and a kill and junior Madeline Kallberg added nine kills and a block. Senior setter Katrina Seliskar posted 33 assists plus six digs and two aces, while junior Kate Coughlin added nine digs and a kill. Senior Annikka Mattson added seven digs.
In action last Thursday, Mesabi East used its height advantage to overpower the Wolves in straight sets, 25-23, 25-19, and 25-17. “Although it didn’t go as planned, I’m proud of the way the team worked hard tonight,” said Ely Head Coach Megan Wognum. “Mesabi East has some height which made us have to adjust both as hitters and defensive players.”
The Coughlin sisters both had strong showings again for Ely despite the loss. Rachel Coughlin seemed to be everywhere at once, posting 11 kills, 13 digs, three set assists and two blocked shots. Kate Coughlin added seven kills, eight digs, and notched three ace serves, while Kellen Thomas added seven kills and nine digs. Setter Katrina Seliskar tallied 24 assists, six digs and two aces, while junior Courtney Eilrich added five digs and Annikka Mattson added four.
“We have made a ton of growth on our coverage and that helped us a ton tonight,” said Wognum.
Ely was set to host North Woods on Thursday, Sept. 23, with an A-squad start at 7 p.m. They’ll head to Virginia on Saturday to take part in a weekend tournament before hosting Duluth-Marshall next Tuesday.