Sep 23, 2024
By: Chris Johnson, The Messenger Assistant Sports Editor
MADISON, Wis. — The seventh-ranked Iowa Central volleyball team finished their tournament weekend in Wisconsin with two victories on Saturday.
The Tritons (15-3 overall) knocked off No. 25 Milwaukee Tech (25-15, 25-13, 25-12), then defeated No. 21 Madison (25-23, 22-25, 26-17, 26-24).
On the opening day, Iowa Central lost to Illinois Central (25-21, 18-25, 19-25, 22-25) and bounced back with a straight set win over Black Hawk (25-5, 25-13, 25-7).
"We faced Illinois Central and played really well in the first set, controlling the tempo and energy," said ICCC head coach Sara Horn. "We followed that up with three really flat sets, though, and never could find an answer for their outside hitters.
"Our middles did a great job of keeping us in the match offensively, but we need to find more consistency offensively as well as make some adjustments quicker on their hot hitters to slow them down."
Against Milwaukee Tech, Manson Northwest Webster graduates Olivia Sturgis and Emily Goodner had eight kills each, as did Talya Sampson.
"We were happy with how we responded to the loss, playing really well the next three matches," Horn said. " Madison has one of the best hitters in the country (a 6-foot-3 Wisconsin transfer), and we did a really great job slowing her down and finding a way to win against the home team."
Olivia Benson had 10 digs, while Anabel Seaman, Goodner and Natalaie Hagadon had seven each.
In the match against Madison, Garrison and Goodner had 11 kills each, with Sturgis adding 10. Benson had 26 digs, while Goodner had 23.
"Our middles had a great weekend, and that's what we need from our returning starters," Horn said. "Everyone contributed in different areas, and it's a lot of fun to continue to see this team grow."
Iowa Central returns to action on Tuesday at Hawkeye Community College at 6 p.m., with a home match slated for Thursday versus Southwestern inside Hodges Fieldhouse at 7 p.m.
Full article at: https://www.messengernews.net/sports/local-sports/2024/09/two-impressive-wins-for-tritons/