Contributing writer
In non-league games, the Goessel High School volleyball team took to the court last week with nervous energy. Four seniors gave the Bluebirds a solid core, but rotating underclassmen provided adventure at nearly every position.
Goessel got off to a quick start against Hope. Alex Hiebert and her sister Paige worked together hitting winners as Jessica Harvey accumulated assists from the setter position. With Erin Brubaker serving, the Bluebirds rattled off four consecutive points as the Bluebirds defeated Hope, 25-9 in the first set.
As expected, Johanna Hoffman played well in the back row. Alicen Meysing contributed to the Goessel success with kills of her own as the Bluebirds came from a 4-5 deficit in the second set. Tia Goertzen connected on several spikes to help Goessel build a slim lead 18-15. Then four straight points by the Bluebirds allowed them to finish the match with a 25-17 win.
The Ell-Saline Cardinals, laden with upperclassmen talent, jumped to a 13-7 lead against the Bluebirds. Goessel tried to penetrate the Cardinals’ defense and got as close as 17-20, but the visitors finished the first set with a 25-19 score. Goessel stayed close in the second set, with the score 11-12; but the momentum suddenly swung to Ell-Saline’s favor as they scored five consecutive points. Several errors by the Bluebirds was all the Cardinals needed to win the set with a score of 25-16.
Elyria Christian put up a strong effort against the Bluebirds, and it was an array of plays that scored points for the home team. A string of kills from Goertzen matched the Eagles points as the scored was knotted 8-8. Goessel’s defense gained confidence as the Bluebirds went on to a 25-16 win. In the second set, the Eagles led 12-9 forcing a Bluebird timeout. Goessel burst for twelve consecutive points and led by nine late in the game. The final score ended at 25-16.
The Bluebirds continue play on Saturday at home in the Goessel Invitational Tournament beginning at 8:30 am.