Greyhounds advance with victory over Winsted

By JEN SEAVEY

Journal Sports Writer

NEW ULM -- Fourth-ranked Cathedral didn't know much about #5 Winsted Holy Trinity going into Thursday's match, but were able to pull off a 3-0 (15-12, 15-10, 15-11) victory to move on to round two in the Section 2A volleyball tournament.

"We had some scouting reports before the game," said junior Nikki Fischer. "But it can be completely different in game situations."

In game one, Cathedral's front row came together when the score was close. Cathedral had started the game behind, allowing the Trojans eight points, while only scoring two.

The Greyhounds slowly nibbled away at the score until it was 7-9 and Holy Trinity took a time out. After the break, with Kristen Dietz serving, the Cathedral hitters came back to hammer it to the Trojans. Within a short time, they made one ace block (senior Liesl Genelin) and three ace hits (Julie Siefert and Katie Gieseke) to bring the score to 13-9.

Genelin ended up contributing 14 ace hits, and Geiseke 6 over the three games.

After the strong hitting, the Greyhounds gave up three consecutive points before Melissa Kraus had the chance for an ace serve, forcing Holy Trinity to take a time out. Kraus showed no mercy and came back with an ace serve to win 15-12.

On a roll, Kraus came out in game two with four quick points, when the volleys began to lengthen. When Holy Trinity came back to tie the game 4-4, it was the closest they came to the Greyhounds, although the game was close all the way.

There were a series of net serves before Cathedral was off again, bringing the score to 11-5 before Holy Trinity could catch up, the Greyhounds taking a time out when the score reached 11-10. In the end, afte letting go of two more points, Holy Trinity made two nice saves. But they were out of their element and gave Cathedral the last two points, being called with a lift and hitting the ball in the net.

At the beginning of game three, Genelin made a huge ace hit to give Cathedral possession, and with Dietz serving, the women scored the first two points in the game. The momentum continued in the Greyhound's favor, even though the Trojans scored a point here and there making it 11-3. From there, the Greyhounds didn't get a point until Genelin ended the run with an ace hit, and the Trojans gave two points up to make the score 13-9.

"We took some time outs so we wouldn't let them back in the game," said Genelin. "We knew we had to keep our momentum."

Dietz came up to serve a big ace, getting the crowd clapping. Dietz, who had come in at middle hitter, ended the night with 18 service points and five aces. She went 22 for 24 on the night.

"Kristen Dietz did a marvellous job tonight," said Coach Karan Whitmyer. "I couldn't have asked for more from her."

After the ace, the Greyhounds gave up the ball, along with two points, but got it back again after Holy Trinity was called for a lift. With the crowd on their feet, Cathedral put the ball in play, but Holy Trinity couldn't get it back over the net, giving Cathedral the victory 15-11.

In their next match, Cathedral will know more what to expect. They played BLH earlier in the season, losing, but taking one game from them.

"Winning one game against BLH was an accomplishment," said Whitmyer. "We just need to go in and give 'em what we've got."

The Cathedral women play #1 Buffalo Lake-Hector Saturday at 6 p.m. at Martin Luther College.