WILLMAR - The Willmar Volleyball team started out the season slow and had a lot to learn, with just one senior getting major playing time.
But it looks like they are peaking at just the right time.
The Cardinals won their fourth match in a row Thursday night, sweeping New London-Spicer at home, 27-25, 25-14, 25-22.
This brings their season-ending record to 15-10 after starting off the season 4-6.
“Things have really been coming together for us lately” said Cardinals head coach Traci Grussing. “This has been the goal all season, keep improving and improving.”
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Willmar won the match with a balanced attack from all sides of the court. Five players recorded at least six kills, with Cami Sletta leading the way with nine.
Other categorical leaders were Sam Pina with three aces, Esther Grussing with 34 assists and Addie Erickson with 22 digs.
Kabrie Weber topped all Wildcats with eight kills and two blocks and Espi Austvold had 19 assists and nine digs.
Outside hitter Catelyn Haug, one of just three seniors on the Willmar roster, was happy about the big win in her final regular-season game.
“It feels amazing to win against a rival in our last game here,” said Haug. “We’re ready for the playoffs”
Follow Jacob Kuyvenhoven on Twitter @jkuyv
Willmar 3, New London-Spicer 0
New London-Spicer (19-9) 25 14 22
Willmar (15-10) 27 25 25
New London-Spicer
Serving (aces): Lindsay Vagle 2, Kabrie Weber 1, Alyssa Fredrick 1, Carley Cronen 1 … Set assists: Espi Austvold 19 … Hitting (kills): Weber 8, Brennah Bergh 4, Erin Tebben 3, Vagle 3, Megan Thorson 2 … Blocking (aces): Weber 2 … Digs: Austvold 9, Cronen 9, Vagle 8
Willmar
Serving (aces): Sam Pina 3, Catelyn Haug 2, Heidi Sellman 1… Set assists: Esther Grussing 34 … Hitting (kills): Cami Sletta 9, Haug 8, Heidi Sellman 8, Carly Wedel 6, Grace Marti 6, Esther Grussing 2… Blocking (aces): Sletta 1, Wedel 1, Haug 1, Marti 1 … Digs: Addie Erickson 22, Grussing 12, Emma Rosen 9, Pina 5, Haug 5
