Hutchinson defeats New Ulm High

By DOUG MONSON

Journal Sports Writer

NEW ULM -- The New Ulm Eagles opened the season at home with excitement and hustle Tuesday, but fell to the Hutchinson Tigers.

The Tigers were able to pull off the win in four despite aggressive play from Mary Otis and Sara Schneeberg. Eagles head coach Rebekah Otte said she knew her team lacked height, and the Tigers were able to exploit it.

The Tigers were led by seniors Brianna Monahan and Alicia Polzin. Monahan stands 6-foot-1 inch tall and Polzin lists at 6-foot-2 inches. Together, the two proved to be a handful for an Eagles team.

Tigers head coach, Jonna Koenen, said Monahan and Polzin worked hard last year at spiking the ball down when they approached the net.

"They're seeing the court," Koenen said. "They're seeing the defense and they're seeing where they are on the court."

Monahan finished the night with 20 kills, and Polzin finished with 13. Together, the two controlled the front line very effectively and forced the shorter Eagles to leave their approaches to the net high, often resulting in a spike being hit out on the backline.

Otte said she thought both of the girls played really well, but she said the Eagles didn't play defense very well.

"It was just disappointing. We didn't play defense, and we didn't control the ball," Koenen said.

New Ulm fell behind 1-0 after the first game. Polzin and Monahan dominated the front line, while junior Rachel Smith carried the Tigers with accurate serving.

The Eagles took advantage of Tigers miscues and played tough defense to take the second game 15-8. Otte said she thought the second game was a good example of how her team is capable of playing.

The Eagles hustled to the ball in the second game and found ways to keep the ball moving, despite tough defense from Polzin and Monahan. Senior captain Christine Otis and sophomore Mary Otis aggressive play led the charge for the Eagles in the second game.

In the third game, however, Polzin shined. In a short span, Polzin shut down every offensive attack from the Eagles and helped the Tiger's maintain an 8-4 lead. From there the Tigers never looked back, winning the third game 15-7, and the fourth game 15-1.

"I thought we played good," Koenen said. "We could be good, and I like the way they're playing right now."

Otte said the team would like to finish above .500 this year, and in order to do that the team would need to find some sort of consistency.

"We did pass very well," Otte said. "I liked what I saw in our serves and passing."

Senior setter Laura Yager finished the night with 35 assists, and Miranda Mathiowetz finished 13 for 13 in serving.

Schneeberg led the team in digs with 21, and senior Stephanie Navara finished the night with 9 digs. Mary Otis led the team in kills with 12, and Navara finished with 8.

"Mary played very well and I hope to see more of that out of her," Koenen said.

New Ulm will host the Mankato East Cougars Thursday at 7:00 p.m.