Trojans take two at home quad

FAIRFIELD - The 2020 volleyball began in Fairfield on Thursday night as the Trojans welcomed Hillcrest Academy, Albia and Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont for a quadrangular. The Trojans bounced back from a two-set loss against Albia to take down EBF and Hillcrest Academy and finish the night 2-1. The Ravens went 0-3, losing three two-set matches.

Fairfield went back-and-forth with Albia in the first set, but the Demons went on a huge run at the end to win the first set 21-12. Albia took set two in a thriller, winning 22-20.

The Trojans bounced back with two close wins over EBF in their second set of the night, topping the Rockets 21-18 and 24-22 to move even on the day.

Fairfield's last match of the day came against Hillcrest. The Ravens stayed in both games but Fairfield ended the night on top, beating the Ravens 21-18 and 21-15 to start the season 2-1.

'We struggled with serve receive at the beginning,” said Fairfield head coach Diana Drish. 'They learned that once we got the ball up and we were hitting, that's how we scored points.”

The Trojans were led offensively by Anna Dunlap, who had 13 kills. Olivia Jones finished the night with 12 kills, and Ellie Anderson had five kills and four blocks.

Danielle Breen led the team in digs, with 17. Dunlap had eight.

Coach Drish said taking the last two games gives her team a nice boost right off the gates.

'It gives us a lot of great, positive energy,” Drish said. 'The girls became really excited. We felt like in match one, we weren't as excited and we were low with our energy. We left today with high energy.”

Before the loss to Fairfield, Hillcrest dropped a two-setter to EBF, falling 21-18 and 21-10, got swept by Albia, 21-15 and 21-8.

Brand-new Ravens head coach Taylor Kurtz said she was pleased with how her Hillcrest team fought against three bigger schools.

'I learned so much about the girls, like how much heart they give during the game and how much communication,” she said. 'I know there are things we need to work on, but I love the fact that I saw so much fight.”

Fairfield will have a big break before their next game on Tuesday, Sept. 8, against Washington. Hillcrest will be back at it on Thursday, Sept. 3, against Lone Tree.