New London VB Battles Injuries and Opponents

Monday, Sept. 9, the Tiger Volleyball team traveled to Fort Madison. What awaited them was not only the Bloodhounds, but also playing with injuries that were taking a toll. As the season unfolds, injuries have made team progress difficult. Katelyn Allen, the starting setter, has had a season-ending injury. Middle hitter Megan Lee was not 100% from a preseason mishap. Then at Fort Madison, senior libero Lillie Gallup went out with a leg injury, but thankfully was able to return. This has kept the Tiger coaches trying to find a stable lineup.

Regardless, the Tigers played tough, but lost 25-18, 25-17, and 25-21. They showed flashes of how good the team could be if everyone stayed healthy. In the first set, the Tigers held a 13-7 lead. Morgan Jones had 10 kills, 13 digs, and a service ace.

In the third set they held a 7-2 lead. But eventually trailing 19-14, the Tigers held on and tied the score at 20 with aces by Maison Nelson and Gallup and heady play by Jones.

Nelson had 18 assists, seven digs, and was 15-of-15 serving with three aces. Gallup added five kills, three digs, and served 5-of-6 serving with an ace.

Shaylee Brothersen added five kills, three digs, and was 10-of-11 serving with an ace. Kayla Strawhacker had three kills and five digs. Marlianna Woodsmall was 5-of-6 serving with an ace, Hailee Dudley added seven digs, and Ruby Myers had five digs and served 5-of-5.

Sept. 10 found the Tigers facing Van Buren County at VBC HS. The Tigers struggled to find their game, losing 25-11, 25-6, and 25-13. Morgan Jones had four kills, 11 digs, and was 6-of-6 serving with an ace.

Lillie Gallup had 12 digs and was also 6-of-6 serving with an ace. Kayla Strawhacker was 4-of-4 serving.

On Sept. 12, the Tigers hosted Central Lee. The FS team lost 0-2 with scores of 21-17 and 21-19. The JV team won 24-22, 21-17, and 15-8.

The varsity team had a tough night, losing 0-3. The scores were 25-20, 25-16, and 25-10. No individual stats were available.