Fairfield volleyball holds home triangular

FAIRFIELD — The 2022 Fairfield volleyball season kicked off its home schedule on Thursday as the Trojans welcomed in nonconference opponents Albia and Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont for a triangular.

The Trojans dropped both games, falling in three sets to Albia and getting swept by the Rockets, who would win the triangular with a perfect 2-0 record.

Fairfield nearly had its first win of the year, up late on Albia in the third set, but the Blue Demons stormed back to win 25-16, 23-25, 15-12.

Macy Rayburn led the way with nine kills in the loss to Albia. Lily Bergren finished with six. Kiya Robertson had 13 digs, and Maddie Jones led with 16 assists.

EBF vanquished Albia in two sets pitting the Rockets and Trojans against each other with EBF one win away from a perfect day.

The Trojans had a tough first set, falling 25-9. Fairfield battled with EBF in the second, but still fell short, 25-18.

“It felt different in the second set,” said co-coach Vicki Rebling. “They responded well, and we told them that.”

It was Maggie Rayburn who led the way against EBF, finishing with five kills. Robertson had 10 digs, and Jones finished with 11 assists.

Rebling and Stephanie Herman, co-coaches for the Trojans this year, said they saw their team learn from the losses. It’s the first year at the helm for the duo, as they take Fairfield volleyball into the new school year.

“Sometimes you win, and sometimes you learn,” said Herman. “And what you learn is really important.”