Tigers roll to third straight win with sweep of Mankato West
Photo by Daniel Lins Trending
MARSHALL -- Following its second loss of the season to Benilde-St. Margaret's three matches ago, Marshall volleyball has responded with a three-match winning streak.
The Tigers continued their strong stretch at home against Mankato West, sweeping the Scarlets 25-18, 25-14, 25-18.
"We haven't played at home in a while, and had a great crowd again tonight," Tigers head coach Dan Westby said. "I thought we did a lot of great things, and it seemed like our kids responded to any setbacks."
Westby said the Tigers had to regain their focus in practice following the loss to Benilde-St. Margaret's, something he believes the team has done.
"The girls know that every day we come into the gym, our goal is to get a little bit better every day," he said.
Marshall recorded four service aces in the victory, with Jennifer Lee, Madi Mernaugh, Nora Holmgren and Kezlyn Pinckney each recording one.
Holmgren and Julia Fahl led the Tigers offensively with double-digit kill totals, as Holmgren recorded 11 and Fahl added 10.
"Julia has been our leading attacker this year, and she was able to get points on the board for us tonight," Westby said.
Bentley Krull added nine kills, while Chika Nwakama had six.
Holmgren also contributed two of Marshall's six blocks. Leah Stelter, Nwakama and Laurel Ryks each added one block.
"Our kids never backed down when we faced adversity in the third set, and we were able to block a few balls," Westby said. "We played a number of kids in that third set, and everyone on the floor really responded well."
The Tigers will return to action Sept. 24 with a home matchup against New Ulm. First serve is scheduled for 7:15 p.m.