The Wildcats began NSIC play with a two–day road trip to Minnesota over the weekend and their home–opener yesterday. The week started with a trip to the University of Minnesota–Crookston to face off against the Golden Eagles.
The Wildcats came out swinging with 40 kills in a quick three–set match sweep to open the regular season. The ‘Cats held the Golden Eagles to 13 points or under in each set which led to the commanding win. During the match, WSC had three aces, six total blocks, and 61 digs in addition to the 40 kills. Wayne State College was able to hold the Golden Eagles to a –.016 hitting percentage compared to their own .317 hitting percentage.
The ‘Cats freshman Mattie Kamery continued her early success as she led the team with 12 kills and 13 digs, while junior Channatee Robles also had a solid performance with ten kills and 14 digs.
“I think the team has done so well so far,” Kamery said. “It is still early in the season and so we know we are not going to be our best yet, but we are still working to get there.”
Stop number two on the road trip was Minnesota State University – Moorhead to face off against the Dragons. This match put the ‘Cats to the test as it went into four well played sets by both sides. After a 25–minute fire alarm delay, set one began where the Wildcats came out firing, winning the set 25–21. Set two on the other hand was a little more challenging as the Dragon’s had a nine–point lead at one point. The ‘Cats who “never lay down in a battle” came back to make it close but still fell short in a 25–22 loss. Set three and four were competitive sets but the Wildcats bounced back as they earned a 25–21 and 25–18 set win, respectively.
Wayne State once again had a commanding game with a .349 hitting percentage compared to the Dragon’s .242. Robles and freshman Delaney Miller led the team with 17 kills each while sophomore Chloe Hanel was a brick wall at the net with five blocks. This competitive win showed the perseverance of the ‘Cats and was a good sign for them as they increased their record to 8–2 overall.
“Each weekend has challenged us and even though we have fell short a couple times we push till the end as well as beating so many great teams so far,” Kamery said.
Tuesday night, the ‘Cats hosted their home opener against a tough Augustana team where they played three sets and won 3–0 to advance their record to 9–2. Kamery and Junior Laney Kathol lead the Wildcats with 11 kills apiece.
More challenges are on the way as the ‘Cats host two straight games this weekend. The week continues Friday when the Wildcats host Minnesota Duluth at 6 p.m. and concludes on Saturday at 5 p.m. when the ‘Cats host Bemidji State.