Andrea Lindgren proved why she’s so valuable to the Austin Packer volleyball team Tuesday night.

Wednesday, September 20, 2000

Andrea Lindgren proved why she’s so valuable to the Austin Packer volleyball team Tuesday night.

The senior outside hitter finished with 12 kills, six digs and was 15-for-15 serving with five aces.

But it was the things that don’t show up on the stat sheet that Lindgren did best in Austin’s 15-5, 15-4, 19-17 win over visiting Northfield.

"Andrea saved us a couple of times tonight," Austin coach Treasure Ransom said. "That third game was the best I’ve seen her play. Every time (Northfield) had the ball and we needed a play, she made it."

With the third game tied 17-17, Lindgren put down one of her team-high 12 kills to regain the serve for the Packers. Theresa Hirsch then served out the next two points for the victory.

"The momentum wasn’t really on either side (in the third game)," said Hirsch, who finished with seven kills and four digs. "We weren’t playing as consistent as we did in the first two games, but this is the first time we’ve taken a three-game match."

Lindgren said junior setters Ellie Ramseth and Jenna Hoefflin did a good job of putting the ball in position for the Packer hitters.

"That’s something we’ve been working on in practice," Lindgren said. "We ran a lot more plays for the hitters. It’s a very nice confidence boost."

Ramseth finished the match with 13 set assists Hoefflin added eight assists and four service aces.

"Andrea and Theresa were on tonight," Ramseth said. "It’s nice having them both in front and having to decide which one to set to."

Hoefflin’s setting was solid as well, but it was her serving that grabbed the Packers the momentum early.

With the opening game tied 1-1, Hoefflin entered the game and served seven straight points for Austin, including three ace serves.

"We really struggled (last Thursday) with our serving against Mankato," Ransom said. "We were very solid in the first two games, and the girls found the focus to get it done in the third game."

A pair of kills by Lindgren and an ace block by sophomore Lauren Royce finished off the game one win for Austin. Royce added three kills in the second game and senior Stacy Fisher had two ace serves as Austin won the second game 15-4. Fisher finished the night nine-for-10 serving with three ace serves and four digs.

Northfield led just four times in the entire match, taking its first lead at 7-6 in the third game. The teams traded points for much of the third game, until Hirsch’s serving won it for the Packers.

"We let down a little in the third game," Hoefflin said, "and Northfield did a better job of cleaning up than the first two games, but we hung in there until the end."

The Packers (4-6) host Faribault Thursday at the Packer gym.