“Tonight's opener was an all-around team win,” stated Ashby Head Coach Hayley Stevens. “Everyone contributed and stepped up to do what they were asked to do. The communication throughout the entire 4 sets was consistent and helped to push us through some wild volleys. Ryleigh Brendmoen (26/28, 8 aces, 10 kills, 11 digs) led us from the serving line along with double digits in digging and as the lone senior on the court tonight her leadership was apparent during key moments of the game. Libero sophomore Lucy Ohren (17 digs, 1 ace serve) led us in digs moving well in the backcourt and speaking up to help the front row know what was happening on and off the net. Junior Haleigh Brendmoen (12 digs, 24 assists, 11/11 serving) is back this season after an injury last fall and she has stepped up to fill the setter position after playing outside the last two years. Junior BrookeLinn Finkelson's (24 kills, 1 block) attack game was on tonight; reaching the net right when we needed her on multiple volleys. With a team of young players and some with little to no varsity experience we have a lot of work ahead of us but a win tonight felt great after a hard-working couple of preseason weeks. Thursday we head to Graceville to play CGB.” 

Other statistical leaders for the Arrows were Alyssa Johnson (8/9 serving, 1 ace), Sienna Williams (9 digs, 7/7 serving, 1 ace), Jessi Schlundt (3 kills, 5 blocks, 1 ace serve) and Chloe Finkelson (2 kills, 1 block).

"This was a good match for both teams to open the season with," said Battle Lake Head Coach Jenny Roisum. "The Battlers were able to keep the sets close early on but then the Arrows went on a couple of offensive runs and take the lead.  The Battlers played hard the whole match and were able to take set 3 after being down two sets.  We are a young team, with a lot of learning and growing to do.  The girls stayed positive and pushed back up till the last point.  Ashby had a couple nice serving runs and good swings from the outside." 

The Battlers were led by Kinley Bormann with 7 kills and 3 blocks.  Morgan Malone added 6 kills and 12 digs.  Kenady Cameron also had 6 kills, while Sophie Akerman dished out 25 assists.  Quinn Amundson had a strong serving night going 15/16 with 3 aces.  The Battlers host Bertha-Hewitt Friday afternoon.