Packers hit the ground running

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, September 25, 2002

Northfield was just another proverbial bump in the road for an Austin volleyball team that has been cruising along at high speeds.

The Packers posted a three-game sweep over their non-conference foes Tuesday night at AHS, bumping their record above .500 for the first time this season in a 15-12, 15-8, 15-8 victory.

Northfield led by at least one point, but never more than two, in every match. Austin's consistent play contradicted the free-swinging style of the Raiders, who helped themselves out of the match just as much as the Packers' persistent play.

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Austin's offense tried to diversify itself with some new plays inserted into its resume on Tuesday, and the Packers picked up where they left off after winning their own invitational on Saturday. Now 9-8 overall, Austin has won nine of 11 matches since starting the season 0-6 under first-year head coach Lisa Grunewald.

"It felt a lot closer than I think it was," Grunewald said of the final scores. "The girls just came out after that tournament win and they just wanted to keep it going."

Austin went 4-0 Saturday in their own invite, stomping their way to an even record before Tuesday's tilt. Packer middle hitter Theresa Hirsch recorded 15 kills and four blocks to lead all players in both categories.

Laura Geffert added six kills and nine assists, and Natalie Miller made 15 set-assists for the Pack. Lauren Royce tallied five kills, Alli Tolbert added three, and Angie Rohne made two kills.

Northfield's low swinging percentage kept the Raiders from ever making a run at a game win despite their 11-10 lead in the first set. Courtney Isakson led the Raiders with nine kills and four ace serves. Jen Albin added seven kills and a team-high two blocks.

Austin went up 8-0 off the opening whistle before Northfield stormed back with 11 of 13 points to take the lead.

The Raiders eventually trailed off behind their own inconsistency and a varied Austin attack.

"Today we implemented some new plays, we're trying a lot of new things," Coach Grunewald said. "And we want to push them in by the end of the season."

The end of the regular season is less than three weeks away for the Packers, who visit Waseca Thursday in another non-conference match. Austin hosts Winona next Tuesday at AHS.

"It's not who we play, it's how we play," Grunewald said.

Call Ross Thede at 434-2234 or e-mail him at :mailto:sports@austindailyherald.com.