The Otters played point for point with the Warriors in the opening set.  “They came out with some strong swings, but our girls did not back down,” said Noon.  “Grey Korinek and Karyssa Eberle set the block well on the right side, which helped our back row pick up some big digs.  We were trailing 16-15 when Brynn Sternberg placed the ball strategically over the net, causing the Warriors to shank the dig.  From there, we kept the ball in play and took control of the game.”

Set two was back-and-forth until point 12 when the Otters started to control the game with their passing and defense, building a 23-19 lead.  The Warriors had some fight in them and evened the score at 23-23.  After that it was a back-and-forth battle with the Otters prevailing, 29-27.  “Our girls’ mental toughness was tested in this set, and they proved to be zoned in and not shake under the pressure,” noted Coach Noon.

The Otters fell behind 11-7 in the third set, but kept the point spread within 4 and closed in on the Warriors little by little.  “Our ball control kept us in the game,” stated Noon.  “The score was 23-23 with the Warriors serving and we started with a great pass and a hard swing from Korinek on the outside, causing a hitting error for Brainerd.  Brynn Sternberg finished off the game with an ace.”

Stat leaders were Hannah Johnson (19 digs) Sternberg (7 digs, 1 ace, 7 kills, 1 assisted block), Eberle (24 set assists, 8 kills, 1 solo block, 1 assisted block, 5 digs), Bella Anderson (12 kills, 2 assisted blocks, 1 ace, 2 digs), Brook Zierden (6 kills, 5 digs), Rachel Debrito (4 kills), Megan Meech (4 digs) and Korinek (1 ace, 4 digs, 1 kill).

“Bella Anderson played tough at the net tonight,” added Coach Noon.  “She was swinging really well out of the middle and made some great decisions with the ball.  Brynn Sternberg and Brook Zierden also had some crucial points from the outside position, placing the ball all over the court and really making their defense work.  Karyssa Eberle did an outstanding job in the setting role, putting up some great sets for our hitters. She saw the court very well, taking advantage of ball two in very crucial points.  Hannah Johnson had another great night in the libero jersey, picking up some tough balls and setting up our offense for success.  Grey Korinek had some great swings on the outside and right side, creating free ball situations for our offense to take advantage of.  Megan Meech did a great job playing right back and picking up balls in the middle of the court.”

The Otters will host Willmar in another Central Lakes Conference match on Thursday night at 7:00pm.