The Lady Patriots traveled over to Estelline on Saturday to take part in a 8 team tournament. In the first match, the Patriots were up against the Wilmot Wolves. The Patriots would control most of the first set, behind some aggressive serving. It was all Patriots in the first set as they won easily 25-13. In the second set, it was a lot closer. The Patriots had trouble keeping the errors down and would end up losing 23-25 . In the deciding set, it was a mirror of the first set and the Patriots jumped out to a big lead and never looked back and would win the set 25-12, and take the match 2-1.
Leading the Patriots in the match was Ella and Lila Johnson with 6 kills each. Isabel Gilbert also tallied 5 kills. Lila Johnson would also tally 12 assists. Presley Binger led the serving with 7 aces. Defensively Cambree Hoekman had a great match with 20 digs and Brooklyn Frankenstein also tallied 10.
In the semi-final match, the Patriots would take on Dell Rapid St. Mary's. The Cardinals were to much to handle and the Patriots would fall to them in two sets (12-25, 13-25).
There was a host of players that led the team with 2 kills each. Lila Johnson would record 6 assists. Brooklyn Frankenstein would record 6 digs.
The Patriots found themselves in the 3rd and 4th place match playing Great Plains Lutheran. This match was exciting from the start. In the first set, it was close through out and back and forth. In the end, the Patriots would take set one 26-24. In set two, the ladies could not get their passing going and the errors piled up. GPL would take set 2, 13-25. That would set up a deciding set three. The Patriots controlled most of set 3, but GPL hung around. The ladies pulled out set 3, 25-19.
There was balanced scoring throughout the match as Ella Johnson led the team with 7 kills and 2 aces. Rebecca Huizenga and Lilla Johnson each tallied 5 kills. Lila and Presley Binger would each tally 11 assists in the victory. Cambree Hoekman had a great match defensively recording 21 digs. Huizenga also recorded a solo block.
The Patriots (2-2) will be back in action Tuesday night in Tulare, for the home opener. The Patriots will take on the their rival the Redfield Pheasants. Matches begin with the Jr. High at 5:15, followed by the JV and Varsity. We hope to see everyone in Tulare for a great night of volleyball!