Blossoms sweep Packer volleyball team
Published 9:55 pm Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Austin's Alex Hansen spikes against Blooming Prairie in game two of their match Tuesday night in Packer Gym. -- Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
As much as Blooming Prairie senior Janelle Morem is looking to make some big hits this year, she knows she needs to have patience.
Morem, who missed a lot of last season with a knee injury, played mostly in the back row as the Awesome Blossoms swept Austin by scores of 25-12, 25-14, 25-21 in Packer Gym Tuesday.
Blooming Prairie's Nicole Inwards handles a serve during game two of their match against Austin in Packer Gym Tuesday night.
Morem was still able to make her presence felt with three ace serves and two kills in the win.
“It’s feeling pretty good,” Morem said. “I’m not all the way back yet and I’d like to be playing in the front row, but the back row’s good too. We don’t want to risk anything and when we play certain teams I don’t play up front.”
BP head coach Gina McLaughlin said the team will be careful about how much Morem plays in the front row until she is fully healed.
“She’s coming along quite well,” McLaughlin said. “It’s hard for her to (miss time), because she’s spent so much time on the sideline.”
BP led Austin wire-to-wire in the first two games and Austin’s only lead came after Rachel Wahlert, a junior, served six straight points to put the Packers (0-3 overall) up 20-18 in the final game.
“Rachel did really well in what was her first varsity playing time,” Austin head coach Barry Brobeck said. “That’s something I’m proud of.”
BP was able to put the final game away when Jenna Krell, who had five ace serves, served five straight points to put the game out of reach.
BP’s offense had plenty of success throughout the night as sophomore setter Madison Worke finished with 22 set assists, three ace serves and three blocks.
Austin's Jocelyn Sheehan tips the ball in game two of their match against Blooming Prairie Tuesday night in Packer Gym.
Worke, a sophomore, is in her second year as a starter and she’s feeling much more confident this season.
“I know what to expect now,” Worke said. “Last year I was just getting in the swing of things, but I’m feeling comfortable now.”
Austin sophomore hitter Alex Hansen continued to show improvement as she finished with eight kills and three ace serves.
“Alex is just a youngster, but you can see it,” Brobeck said. “That’ll be real exciting (as she comes along).”
Austin stats: Jenna Svoboda, 13 digs, 3 kills; Alex Hansen, 8 kills, 3 aces, 6 digs; Kylah Miller, 3 kills; Steph Justice, 12 assists
BP stats: Madison Worke, 3 aces, 3 blocks, 22 assists; Jenna Krell, 3 kills, 2 digs, 5 aces; Taylor Hagen, 6 kills, 7 blocks; Janelle Morem, 3 aces, 3 digs, 2 kills; Nicole Inwards, 2 aces, 7 digs
