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Serving Northern St. Louis County, Minnesota

Ely volleyball shows strength early

Tops Silver Bay and Northeast Range in straight sets as shortened season gets underway

Marshall Helmberger
Posted 10/14/20

BABBITT— The agony of defeat has yet to visit the Ely volleyball squad as they dominated opponents this week in the opening contests of a pandemic-shortened season. Against Northeast Range on …

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Ely volleyball shows strength early

Tops Silver Bay and Northeast Range in straight sets as shortened season gets underway

Posted

BABBITT— The agony of defeat has yet to visit the Ely volleyball squad as they dominated opponents this week in the opening contests of a pandemic-shortened season. Against Northeast Range on Tuesday night, the Wolves used strong serving and an improved passing attack to get past the Nighthawks in straight sets, 25-15, 25-17, and 25-10.
“After playing a little on edge the first set, things really came together,” said Ely Head Coach Andrea Thomas. “We had great serving tonight and our passing improved with each set, which helped spark our offense.”
McKenna Coughlin, the team’s sole senior, notched nine kills along with five ace serves, while her sister Rachel, a sophomore, added seven kills, four blocks and five aces. Sophomore Madeline Kallberg added seven ace serves and three kills, while junior Raven Sainio added five kills. Junior setter Katrina Seliskar notched 26 assists.
Thomas also credited her team with improved defense against the Nighthawks, as they racked up a number of blocks and digs.
Hosting Silver Bay in their season opener this past Saturday, the Wolves offered little consolation for their visitors, winning in three straight sets, 25-20, 25-12, and 25-18. Thomas said it was good to have the team’s first match under their belt. “We worked out some kinks and have a better idea of what we need to focus on in practice,” she said. “We struggled to serve consistently most of the match, but our serve-receive improved each set. Charly Flom and McKenna Coughlin both served very well and were able to give us a boost when we needed it.”
Flom posted seven aces, while Coughlin added four, along with seven kills. Kallberg notched eight kills, while Seliskar added 26 set assists.
Ely is set to host Littlefork-Big Falls on Tuesday. Game time is set for 7 p.m.