A non-conference matchup between the Clintonville Truckers and the visiting New London Bulldogs went the full five games on Tuesday, Sept. 9, with the Bulldogs earning a 3-2 win.
Both teams were backed by energized students and parents cheering in the stands, and Clintonville rode the momentum to an early lead in game one. It looked as though the Truckers would run away with the first game, but New London regrouped and charged into the lead, winning game one by a score of 25-20.
An unfazed Trucker squad again went out to an early lead in game two. The two teams battled back and forth, but Clintonville pulled away for a 25-19 win in game two.
With the score even at 1-1, the teams battled fiercely in the crucial third game. Another back-and-forth battle saw the Truckers emerge with a 25-23 win.
Needing a win in game four to force a decisive fifth game, the Bulldogs rose to the challenge. Game four ended in a 25-18 victory for the Bulldogs.
With the score tied 2-2 and the gym echoing with feverish cheers from both sides, the teams entered the final game. Despite a good effort, the Truckers couldn’t handle a New London team that did a good job of maintaining the momentum from their win in game four. The Bulldogs won game five by a score of 15-7 to win the match, 3-2.
“Both teams came out and played hard,” said Clintonville Head Coach Lance Bagstad. “The atmosphere was excellent with fans from both sides cheering on their respective teams.”
The Bulldogs were led by Caleigh Shaw with 25 kills. Megan Kronser contributed 29 assists, Alanna Beyer had 21 digs, and Payton Mix added eight blocks. Macy Madsen notched four aces for New London.
Clintonville was led by Amber Krueger with 14 kills. Autumn Voigt added 10 kills and six blocks, while Chrissy Betz had seven kills, three digs and three aces. Catherine Morse tallied 20 assists, five digs and two aces, while Abby Krueger netted 21 assists.