BABBITT—The Section 7A volleyball playoffs ended quickly for the eighth-seeded Nighthawks after they fell in straight sets to ninth-seeded Littlefork-Big Falls here on Monday night. It was the play-in round for the bottom seeds and the Nighthawks should have had the advantage, except for the absence of one of the team’s top performers, Maizy Sundblad, who was out sick.
“It definitely made an impact,” said Head Coach Misty Roseth.
Indeed, the Nighthawks had beaten Littlefork-Big Falls in straight sets just last week in Babbitt, so Monday’s outcome was a surprise. The Vikings took the first set 25-23, which was the closest the Nighthawks came to a win on the night and followed up with a 25-17 loss in game two and a 25-20 loss in the final set.
Danica Sundblad filled in at the set position, notching 19 assists and posting 100 percent from the serving line. Else Bee led at the net with 11 kills, while adding eight digs. Eighth-grader Peyson Roseth posted 11 digs along with three kills and three ace serves. Allison Flug, the team’s lone senior, notched seven kills and as many digs, while Kaydence Hancock notched seven kills.
“It was definitely a growing year,” said Roseth. “Our consistency will be key for this team in the future. The improvements I’m seeing in each of these girls is outstanding. Once their skills become consistent, this will be a team to watch for in upcoming seasons.”