Volleyball: Blue Devils score a sweep over Anoka-Ramsey
Published 8:50 pm Wednesday, August 30, 2017
- Riverland’s Elisabeth Buck spikes in game two against Anoka-Ramsey Wednesday night. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
The Riverland Community College volleyball team opened its home schedule with a consistent effort as it swept Anoka-Ramsey (0-5 overall) by scores of 25-19, 25-22, 25-14 in Riverland Gym Wednesday.
RCC took the lead at the half-way point of all three games as it was led by the hitting trio of Southland grad Gabby Smith, who had eight kills, LeRoy-Ostrander grad Sam Siskow, who had seven kills, and Owatonna grad Elisabeth Buck, who had seven kills.
Riverland Community College’s Sam Siskow tips at the net in game two of the Blue Devils’ match against Anoka-Ramsey Wednesday night. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Buck and Smith have both returned to action after a hiatus from volleyball for the Blue Devils (1-4 overall) and RCC head coach Helen Jahr is also involved in the sport again after a six-year hiatus.
Smith, who played for Jahr on a JO volleyball team in high school, missed her senior season with the Rebels with an ACL injury, but she’s been back at full strength this fall.
Riverland’s Marissa Hart sets in game two against Anoka-Ramsey Wednesday night. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
“It’s a lot more fun than I remembered,” Smith said. “It’s a lot faster pace in college, but it’s better. Winning tonight was great. We’re all happy and we’re all positive.”
Buck has returned to volleyball after taking a two-year break from the sport. She’s thriving at the role of setter as she’s been getting to know her new teammates.
“The girls are really fun to work with and practice has been really fun. I really missed it,” Buck said. “[Jahr is] a great coach and she knows what she’s talking about. She holds you accountable and she makes you work hard.”
Jahr had coached RCC for 17 years before taking a break. She’s glad to be back at the helm and she said her team showed a lot of promise when it put up 19 points against defending national champion Ridgewater in a game earlier this season.
“I think the team is communicating, having fun and they’re happy to be here. I’m happy to be back here too,” Jahr said. “I’m happy with what we have and happy with our coaching staff. We’re going to whip this team into shape.”
RCC scoring: Elisabeth Buck, 7 kills, 3 ace serves, 2 ace blocks; Sam Siskow, 7 kills, 14 digs, 1 ace block; Gabby Smith, 8 kills, 2 ace blocks; Marissa Hart, 7 set assists; Steph Holicky, 14-for-15 serving, 2 ace serves
