On a chilly fall evening, the West Branch girls volleyball team welcomed Hubbard to Beloit. Hubbard arrived with a solid 15-5 record and had proven to be a competitive team throughout the tough NE8 conference. In West Branch's last match against an NE8 opponent, the team played Girard, which also went to five sets, but they fell short.
Coach Kuszmaul's team fell behind 2-1 but managed to win the fourth set tightly, 25-23, hoping to turn the tide in the fifth set. However, after a back-and-forth battle, Hubbard escaped with a 15-13 victory, ultimately winning the match 3-2. Despite the tough loss, this match was excellent in helping the team prepare for the upcoming tournament.
The Game Stats:
Kendelle Hoopes led the Warriors with 15 kills, 7 points, 2 aces, 5 digs, and 3 blocks. Abigail Janosik contributed 14 kills, 2 digs, and a block. Cailyn Fritz added 7 kills, 2 digs, and 5 blocks. Chloe Sanor had 2 kills, 4 digs, and 3 blocks, while Reagan Buchs recorded 2 kills, 5 blocks, and 2 digs. Carter Shepherd contributed 3 kills, a block, and 4 digs.
Senior setters Isabel Martig and Josie Milliken were key players, with Martig tallying 7 points, 21 assists, and 10 digs, and Milliken contributing 3 points, 2 aces, 15 assists, and 9 digs.
Defensively, Ragan Greeneisen stood out with 10 points, 1 ace, an assist, and 30 digs. Addison Craven added 5 points, 2 aces, and 11 digs, while Sara Schmidt contributed 6 points, 2 aces, and 2 digs.
What's next: The girls volleyball team will return to action on Thursday against Louisville, with JV starting at 5 PM and Varsity to follow. This match will also be Senior Night and West Branch's record now stands at 15-6 for the season.
