"The Tigers came out strong and took the first set," reported Hillcrest Head Coach Debi Foss.  "One of our players said that our play in that first set was pretty much defined as a 'Monday game'.  We started slow, hit tentatively, had low energy, and struggled with our passing.  Thankfully, sets two, three and four we made the necessary adjustments and got into our offense.  We also did a better job of digging up their mix of tips and attacks."

Leaders for the Comets were Madi Foss (24 service points, 5 aces, 13 kills, 18 digs), Ella Knutson (8 kills, 2 digs), Hope Adams (10 kills, 13/13 serving, 7 service points), Anna Brumfield (11 service points, 3 aces, 9 kills, 15 digs), Emily Adams (5 kills, 10 digs), Ruby Peterson (43 set assists, 11 digs, 5 kills) and Maddie Ballweg (23 digs).

"Freshman, Ella Knutson, had some great success tonight, especially in the second set going 5 kills out of 7 attacks," noted Coach Foss.  "Others also had their moments to shine when they got to provide a perfect pass to our setter, Ruby, who then got it to our hitters ... all of them!  We are thankful for another good match tonight against the Tigers and also happy that  Coach John is back on the sideline with his team."

Rothsay was led by Kenadi Carlsrud (14 kills, 2 blocks, 10 digs, 14/15 serving, 2 aces), Madison Tillman (12/12 serving, 1 ace, 3 kills, 1 block, 3 assists), Savannah Sullivan (17 digs, 1 block) and Adriana Willits (4 blocks).

"We started the match like a house on fire," stated Rothsay Head Coach John Reber.  "We were able to establish our block and defensive presence early under the leadership of Adriana Willits and Savannah Sullivan.  The momentum from those big, emotional plays gave our hitters the confidence to take strong swings and it paid off with some early kills.  The Comets put their house in order early in the second set and we were challenged to match their efficiency the rest of the way.  In the last 3 sets I don't think we played poorly per se, but once momentum falters a it, it's not a simple thing to reestablish.  Volleyball is such a timing-based game, and that timing is so heavily dependent on confidence.  A drop in confidence causes this chain reaction of hesitation that worms its way through the entire team.  But as with everything in life, it's much easier to point out the problem than it is to find the solution.  We'll just keep putting in the hard work, both physical and mental, until we do."

Hillcrest has a road contest in Graceville against CGB on Tuesday night.