Royall wins first place showdown with New Lisbon, goes 3-0 at SBC Quad
Royall's Jenna Picha tries to spike past New Lisbon's Jill Niles.
By David Paradise
Star-Times Sports Editor
The New Lisbon Rockets, Royall Panthers and Wonewoc-Center Indians all traveled to Necedah last Saturday, for a Scenic Bluffs Conference (SBC) quadrangular with the Cardinals.
In the first matchup of the day, the Panthers took on the Cardinals and the Rockets took on the Indians.
The Panthers got off to a good start picking up their first win of the day in straight games against Necedah, winning 25-15, 25-18, 25-15.
"It was nice to have Megan Scott back, and we got the day started well beating an improved Necedah team," Royall coach Craig Baeseman said.
Royall was led by sophomore Hailey Brown who finished with nine aces, 10 kills, and five assists. Jenna Picha added eight kills and four blocks and Hillary Murray added nine assists to go along with five aces.
Necedah was led by Alyssa Grams with five aces. Andrea Belmonte added four assists.
In the other opening match, New Lisbon was able to top Wonewoc-Center 25-23, 25-14, 25-12.
"The last time we met is was a very exciting match and we were looking forward to another battle," Indians coach Rusty Chute said. "The first game lived up to the expectations, but it was all downhill from there. Give credit to New Lisbon, they are a good team and played hard, earning the wins."
Jess Lawrence led the Indians with seven kills. Kailey Fulton added 12 assists.
The second set of matches had the SBC leading Rockets and Panthers matched up, and the Cardinals looking to pick up a win over the Indians.
Royall was able to outlast the Rockets in the first two games winning 25-20 in both.
The Rockets looked to rebound in the third game taking an early 7-1 lead, but Royall was able to narrow the gap to 13-10, before Morgan Harris served the final 15 points, giving the Panthers a huge win over New Lisbon, 25-13.
"I think we learned how to win the close ones," Baeseman said. "A lesson learned Tuesday against Hillsboro."
Brown led Royall with 20 kills and four blocks. Picha added 10 kills and Murray had 15 assists.
The Wonewoc-Center/Necedah matchup would go five games, with the Cardinals picking up a game one victory 25-22.
Wonewoc-Center rallied to win game two 25-23. Necedah was able to regain the match advantage with a 25-18 win in game three.
The Indians were able to force a fifth game with a 25-21 game four victory, and won the deciding fifth game 15-8.
"Somehow we pulled a win out and we were glad to have it," Chute said.
Katie Darnell led the Cardinals in a losing effort with seven kills. Belmonte added 13 assists. Wonewoc-Center was led by Katie Bell with seven kills. Fulton added 14 assists.
In the final games of the quad, Royall looked to finish the day 3-0 against Wonewoc-Center, and New Lisbon looked to rebound from their tough loss to Royall with a win over Necedah.
Royall was able to remain atop the SBC with a 3-0 win over the Indians, 25-22, 25-15, 25-18.
"We got the win, despite not playing our best," Baeseman said. "That put us at 8-1 in conference, tied with Bangor for first."
"We gave them a fight in the first game, but they proved to have too much offense for us to handle," Chute said.
Brown had another big game for the Panthers, with six aces and 18 assists. Picha added 14 kills and Racheal Williams added 10 kills against the Indians. Wonewoc-Center was led by Fulton with nine assists and three aces.
New Lisbon was able to rebound from the loss to the Panthers with a 3-0 win over Necedah, 25-23, 25-19, 25-12.
For the day, the Rockets were led by Danielle Berry with 26 assists. Jill Niles added 16 kills and Haley Woggon finished with 19 kills and six block kills.
Against the Rockets, Necedah was led by Heidi Carter with three aces. Kamie Bluell added four kills against New Lisbon.
"The girls are working hard and have seen a lot of improvement from the beginning of the season," Necedah coach Joelle Shady said. "We have worked really hard on becoming a team and the last two weeks on the court it has definitely showed."
The teams will look to finish their seasons strong heading into tournament play.