Indee netters sweep triangular, top ECI

The Independence/Gilmanton volleyball team was tough on the road last week, sweeping a triangular before winning its first Dairyland Conference match of the season.

The Indees swept both New Auburn and Solon Springs at the triangular hosted by New Auburn on Tuesday. On Thursday, I/G took a 2-0 lead and held on to defeat Eau Claire Immanuel Lutheran, 3-1. 

I/G began this week with a 5-2 record before its match at Whitehall on Tuesday. The team will host Cochrane-Fountain City in Gilmanton on Thursday before playing in a tournament at Black River Falls on Saturday. I/G returns home to play Augusta next Tuesday. 

New Auburn Tri

The Indees emerged as the top team in the triangular with two clean sweeps.

The Indees defeated New Auburn, 25-22, 25-17, then dispatched Solon Springs, 25-20, 25-11. 

Nora Schank led the team at the net against New Auburn, registering seven kills. Hannah Ekern and Shauna Dejno both had three in the match. Hadley Sylla had three kills and three blocks. 

Danika Ekern led the team with four service aces, one more than Hannah Ekern. Hannah Ekern had 20 set assists to lead the team, and Danika Ekern had a team-high nine digs. 

Sylla led the team with six kills against Solon Springs, while Schank added four. 

Hannah Ekern finished with a team-high five aces as the Indees had 12 in the match. She also had a team-best 12 assists. 

I/G   26 25 23 25

ECI  24 20 25 16

The Indees won a close first set and held on for a 3-1 road win to open conference play.

I/G narrowly won the first set, but took control of the match with a five-point win in the second. After the Lancers extended the match by winning the third set, I/G finished it with a decisive nine-point win.

Sylla had a big night at the net with 15 kills and three blocks. The rest of I/G’s offensive attack was balanced as Hannah Ekern was second on the team with eight kills. 

I/G had a strong night at the service line as both Hannah Ekern and Celia Slaby had four aces. Harper Symicek and Sylla had two aces, and Danika Ekern added one. 

Hannah Ekern handled most of the setting duties, finishing with 30 assists.