The Whitewater Volleyball team gritted out a 5-set win against visiting Wilmot (31-33, 25-22, 25-15, 23-25, 15-11). “It was nice to battle out a first home match win. I was pleased we did not quit. Although we had some lapses where we saw too many unforced errors, we recovered and for a young team, that is what I am looking for.”
In scouting Wilmot, we knew what we wanted to do and where to capitalize. “We spent some time in film so we could see what we wanted to do. And, while I think we could have selected some shots better, I felt we did a nice job with our game plan.” Serving continues to be an area we must improve upon; however, we saw more aces tonight with 17 as a team.
Our middles, Emmanuella Mbifi (3 kills, 2 block assists, 1 ace) and Meg Roselle (2 kills, 1 block), are beginning to run a faster offense and are understanding how to work with the setters to connect. “Both Meg and Manny came through with some key plays at the net and blocks. I was excited to see this begin to come together for them.”
Calli Grosinske continues to be a leader for us in her court awareness and shot selection. She posted her first double-double tonight racking up 20 kills, and 14 digs. She also served tougher for us tonight picking up two aces. “Calli is a player we look to lead us. She is beginning to find comfort in this role and leading her team in tough moments.” Marina Linos set a solid match and is picking up her defense. She had 23 assists, 6 digs, and 4 aces. Marina is a selfless player always looking to support her team.
Savannah O’Neil is a serving specialist for us and continues to score points for us with her consistency. Ava Alvarado, defensive specialist, played consistently for us in the backcourt. “Ava is a smart player who is beginning to trust her training and instincts. She is solid in both serve receive and defense.”
Falyn Krahn (9 kills and 5 service aces), Zoe Kohl (2 kills, 2 aces, 14 digs), and Sydney Schilt, put up some nice offense and defense for us. “We count on Zoe and Falyn a ton. Defensively, they are coming through in key moments. Both had some nice digs, aces, and serve receptions. I am always impressed with Zoe’s willingness to go wherever the team needs her! Falyn is playing so consistently for us. She is so fast on defense and makes some aggressive plays. She is smart in the front court, and is beginning to refine her shot selection. Sydney is playing some front row for us, and puts up a solid block and is fast on defense. Sydney is also a solid serve receiver and helps us to run a faster offense.
Ella Spear leads us as the libero and had 3 aces and 19 digs. Ella works so hard in her role and continues to lead her team through her aggressive defense.
I was so proud of our team tonight. We battled through some ups and downs and were able to grit out a win. The Whippets will be back in action next Thursday (9/7) against Delavan-Darien at home for Parents’ Night. JV1 and JV2 will start at 5:00 PM and Varsity at 6:30 PM. Hope to see you there!
Article and Team Photo Submitted by Mary Kilar
Whitewater High School Head Volleyball Coach
mkilar@wwusd.org
Action Photo Courtesy of Peter and Bob Mischka
