Momentum changed during Montezuma’s five-set volleyball victory over North Mahaska on Wednesday evening, Oct. 20.
The Bravettes trailed two sets to zero, and had been outscored 50-38 during the first two sets.
After that, it was 65-44 for Montezuma, and gap wide was widening.
Did something slow down the Warhawks?
Or did something speed up the Bravettes?
“We are a slow-to-start team,” acknowledged Montezuma Coach Rylie Little. “But by the time we get warmed up and in our grove, we are unstoppable.”
They became that in this match, at least, as the cavalry rode to the rescue in time.
“Attacking every ball and serving were the big game-stoppers for us,” Little said.
Attack the Bravettes did. It was a fusillade.
Montezuma sent 170 attack attempts at the Warhawks – 34 per set. Senior attacker Shanae Wetering attacked 56 times alone on her way to a team-high 14 kils.
That meant a lot of digging and defensive movement for the Warhawks. Those things can eat up your energy.
But, the Bravettes did their own digging and moving on defense.
“I saw our girls fighting and sacrificing their bodies for balls that I haven’t seen them do all season,” Little said.
Six different Bravettes servers combined for a .929 percentage and 10 ace serves.
Katie Reynolds didn’t have an ace, but she put the ball in play successfully 29 times in 30 attempts.
“We are truly improving every step of the way!” Little said.
The Bravettes are 22-9 as they head to Monday’s regional semifinal against 12th-ranked North Tama.
“One thing about our girls is that no matter what battle is put before them, they find a way to overcome,” the coach said.
Stats vs. North Mahaska
Kills – Shanae Wetering 14, Korrinn Kehoe 10, Izzy Roorda 7, Coral Lowry 3, Kallie Robison 2, Katie Reynolds 1.
Assists – Reynolds 30, Kehoe 1, Allyson Larmore 1, Robison 1, Roorda 1, Tia Shaffer 1.
Digs – Larmore 4, Lowry 2, Kehoe 2, Wetering 2, Roorda 2, Reynolds 1.
Blocks – Kehoe 4, Wetering 2, Roorda 1.
Serves – Reynolds 29-30, Lowry 17-18 with two aces; Roorda 15-19 with three aces; Robison 14-14 with three aces; Kehoe 12-12 with one ace; Wetering 5-6 with one ace.