“It was a long night Thursday, as the Knights took game one easily, but turned around and lost the next two to Ortonville,” reported Head Coach Missy Foslien.  “The Trojans came alive in the second and third sets.  The Knights had trouble connecting on blocks, and could not handle the aggressive swings from the Trojans.  The Knights battled back in game four though, and kept the momentum going into game five.  I am proud of some girls who stepped up tonight. Addison Staples hit well, as we moved her to middle in game four.  Eighth grader, Izzy Puchalski proved that she is ready to step in and play too, as she came in during game two as the Knights struggled to get into a rhythm hitting.  Lexi Hunter came in game five, with the score 14-10, and served one in when we needed it. I am so proud of the composure she had, and I had complete confidence she could do it. Reflecting on the game on her ride home, Mya Foslien said, “We got too comfortable after game one and then we learned that we had to work for every point.” If these girls continue to understand that the game is work and they have to get after it and never let up on the gas, they will be successful in whatever they do.” 

WCA was led by Elizabeth Rustan (23/24 serving, 3 aces, 20 digs, 12 kills, 2 blocks), Macy Grosz (17/17 serving, 3 aces, 40 set assists, 16 digs), Halle Foslien (16/16 serving, 3 kills, 1 block), Addison Staples (13/18 serving, 4 aces, 4 set assists, 6 digs, 7 kills, 1 block), Whitney Westrom (11/12 serving, 1 ace, 5 digs, 6 kills), Mya Foslien (10/10 serving, 1 ace, 19 kills, 4 digs), Kaitlyn Hansen (9 digs) and Sophie Sanstead (8 digs).

The Knights travel to Mahnomen on Saturday for a tournament and then will face CGB and Swanville next week.