Mankato West showcased impressive defensive skills in a commanding victory over Austin, winning the match 25-21, 25-12, 25-19 in a Big Nine Conference volleyball showdown on Thursday at the West gym.
“Our defensive strategy was key tonight,” said West coach Stacy Jackson. “Austin had a strong middle hitter, so we focused on pushing the ball outside and avoiding the middle. Our defense keeps us competitive because we aren’t the biggest team. Valencia Carrera consistently directs our hitters on where to attack. Everyone contributes on the court.”
The Scarlets started strong in the first set, leading 11-10 when sophomore setter Courtney O’Connor sparked a five-point service run. This momentum was fueled by kills from sophomore outside hitter Maleah Grunst and senior right-side hitter Aubrey Doyscher, giving West a 17-11 lead. After Austin (9-9) tied the score at 19, senior middle hitter Addi Kuiper helped set up a four-point service run by senior outside hitter Ella Olson, concluding with a game-ending spike from Grunst.
“We’ve been focusing on communication in practice,” Grunst said, who finished with 10 kills. “Our setters have worked hard on our connections. We rely on our defense to set up our offense since we are not the tallest team.”
West (9-4, 6-1 in Big Nine) showed some sluggishness at the start of Game 2, but O’Connor’s ace ignited a seven-point service run from senior defensive specialist Malia Allex, giving the team an 11-6 advantage after consecutive points from Olson. O’Connor, who had 29 assists, also made two consecutive blocks that helped extend the lead to 20-8. Carrera led the team with 19 digs and contributed several service points during the run.
“When our passing is good, we have many options,” O’Connor noted. “Our hitters adjusted well to hit around the blocks. We were able to read the defense and find openings.”
In the third set, West overcame an early 6-2 deficit to secure a 25-19 win. Olson, who led the Scarlets with 11 kills and 14 digs, and Doyscher each contributed a five-point service run. Kuiper, Doyscher, and junior middle hitter Lydia Banse each added five kills to the team’s tally, with senior Jordyn Vihstadt providing three assists late in the second set.
“We focused on finding open spots on the court,” Olson said. “They left the line open for Maleah. We practiced our slides to help the middles find openings as well. Our serving was strong, and we were prepared defensively. We are a scrappy team and can adapt to find gaps in the opponent’s blocks.”
For Austin, junior middle hitter Isabella Bolster recorded nine blocks, and sophomore outside hitter Quinn Osgood led with 11 kills.
West will next compete in the Rochester Century Tournament on Saturday.
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