Trojan volleyball picks up two road wins
The Hillsboro High School volleyball team used a new offensive system to bring down Haven, 26-16, 25-19, and Halstead, 25-19, 25-12, Tuesday at Haven.
Against Haven, senior Emily Ratzlaff was 8-8 in serving including two aces. She also was 6-7 in digs, 8-9 in passing and 5-6 in serve receive. Senior Amy Duerksen was 43-46 in setting with six assists. Junior Laura Lindsey was 9-9 in passing and 8-8 in serving with one ace. Sophomore JuliAnne Chisholm led the Trojans in attacks, 12-13 including four kills.
"This was our first game to experiment with a new offensive system," said head coach Sandy Arnold. "We found the kinks in it which will show us a place to focus in practice."
According to Arnold, Hillsboro lost its focus in the first game against Halstead but came back and put the Dragons away with confidence in the second game.
"We need to win matches like these to build our confidence and mental toughness for use against teams in the future," Arnold said.
Junior Tiffany Knaak led the team in serving, going 16-16 with four aces. Knaak was 5-6 in passing. Ratzlaff was 9-9 in serving with three aces and 4-6 in attacks with two kills. Chisholm was 3-3 in serve receive, 6-6 in blocking, and 7-8 in attacks with four kills.
Sophomores Tina Frick and Jenny Whisenhunt also contributed to the hitting power of the Trojans. Frick was 7-9 in attacks with five kills while Whisenhunt was 3-3 with two kills.
Duerksen once again led the team in setting, 30-32 with 10 assists.
"We have to learn to be the aggressor and not rely on the other team to make mistakes," said Arnold. "When we are aggressive, we can be a tough team."
The Trojans' toughness will be tested Tuesday by the Spartans at Collegiate and Sept. 21 by the Swathers at Hesston. Hillsboro's next home match will be against Smoky Valley Sept. 28. Game time is 5 p.m.
