The Iowa Central Volleyball team opened its official season this past week with a perfect 5-0 record. On Tuesday, the Tritons traveled to Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota to take on the Dakota County Technical College Blue Knights. After losing all but one starter from last year's lineup, the Tritons have a lot of new faces on the floor. The Tritons shook off some early nerves to down DCTC 25-16, 25-19, 25-15. Gabby Sullivan, the lone returning starter, led the Tritons with 18 kills with a .467 hitting efficiency. Abby Lohrmann had 36 assists, 3 kills, 1 ace, 1 block, and 3 digs. Emily Nelson led the way on defense with 15 digs, while Asarar Gony led the defense at the net with 2 blocks.
The Tritons had a quick turnaround as they headed to the Wisconsin Dells on Thursday for 4 matches at the Battle of the Dells Tournament. The Tritons opened the weekend with a huge battle, facing the St. Clair County Skippers. The Skippers jumped out to a quick lead, taking the first set 25-15. The young Tritons quickly caught up to speed, taking the next two sets 25-16, 25-9, with many of Abby Lohrmann's 10 service aces coming in those two sets. St. Clair fought back in set 4, taking it 25-22 before the Tritons would close out the match, winning the 5th set 15-10. Abby Lohrmann led the offensive charge, dishing out 35 assists, while also adding 8 digs in the win. Gabby Sullivan led all attackers with 18 kills, while Brenda Hopkins chipped in 11, hitting at a .312 clip. Michele O'Haver led the defensive way with 20 digs, while Liza Hatcher added 13. Asarar Gony led the Tritons at the net with 4 blocks and Gabby Sullivan added 3 blocks. The Tritons were a force behind the service line, with 20 ace serves. Abby Lohrmann's 10 aces led the charge while Liza Hatcher added 5.
The second match of the day paired the Tritons with the Macomb Monarchs. The Tritons made quick work in the second match, downing Macomb 25-14, 25-17, 25-13. The Tritons were led by sophomore libero Michele O'Haver's 27 digs and 3 service aces. Gabby Sullivan was once again the Triton kill leader with 15 kills on a .364 mark, Kayla Faldet added 9 kills hitting a scorching .533. Abby Lohrmann dished out 32 assists while Kayla Faldet (5 blocks) and Gabby Sullivan (4 blocks) led the way at the net.
Saturday afternoon paired the Tritons with the South Suburban Bulldogs. The first set was a back and forth battle, with the Tritons coming out on top 25-23. That momentum carried over to the next two sets as the Tritons won in straight sets, 25-20, 25-19. Sullivan was once again an offensive force, leading the way with 16 kills on .464 hitting. Brenda Hopkins chipped in 10 kills, Abby Lohrmann had 33 assists, Liza Hatcher and Michele O'Haver led the defensive charge with 15 digs apiece, and Sullivan led the blockers with 4 blocks.
In the last match of the weekend the Tritons faced the College of DuPage Chaparrals. The Tritons started the match well, winning the first two sets 25-20, 25-16. Fatigue shook the Tritons in the 3rd set, as the Chaparrals won 25-16. Liza Hatcher provided a huge spark for the Tritons in the 4th set, reeling off 5 of her 6 services aces, helping the Tritons break away to a 25-12 4th set win. Gabby Sullivan was again the offensive leader for the Tritons with 15 kills on .387 hitting and Hannah Murray chipped in 9 kills with an impressive .471 mark. Abby Lorhmann had 30 assists, 4 aces, and a team leading 15 digs. Michele O'Haver chipped in 14 digs, while Lexi Green and Sulivan led the Tritons at the net with 4 blocks each.
The Tritons open up conference play on Wednesday as they travel up to Estherville, Iowa for a 7pm match with the Lakers.