The Manawa junior varsity volleyball team has improved their record to 6-3.
Manawa vs. I-S
25-19, 20-25, 25-20
They traveled to Iola to face the T-Birds on Tuesday, Sept. 14. In set one, the JV squad stepped onto the court ready for action. After one complete rotation, the Wolves were ahead by one point. Kim Retzke’s serving helped bring Manawa ahead and keep them there. Middle hitter Ansley Block was effective in the front row as she was able to control her hits and keep the ball inbounds. Defensive specialists Nicki Cady and Torrie Dean covered the court well for Manawa, making it difficult for the Thunderbirds to find scoring opportunities. Adrenaline was running high as the Wolves began set two. Manawa had trouble getting a run going from the service line. The T-Birds’ defense was much more prepared for the Wolves’ attack. Offensively, Jennifer Spick played hard in the setting position, making sure she made good sets to her front row. Wendy Kons’s all-around play helped keep the score close. In the end, the Wolves were out-played. The third and final set of the evening would determine the match winner. The Manawa girls kept their heads held high. Poor serving plagued the Wolves as they gave the Thunderbirds nine points on missed serves. While in the front row, Olivia Levezow and Paige Schernecker went aggressively after their sets and drove the ball hard over the net. Lexi Sell came on strong, both offensively and defensively, and helped Manawa earn the match victory.
Manawa vs. Shiocton
17-25, 18-25, 27-25
The Manawa teams honored their parents at their home game against the Shiocton Chiefs on Thursday, Sept. 16. During set one, the Wolves had a difficult time receiving serves. While in the front row, Spick made contact with several sets and was able to drive the ball back into Shiocton territory. Dean and Kons hustled after the ball and were able to stop the Chiefs from scoring. However, Manawa just could not get ahead and were defeated in set one. The Wolves were ready to start set two. Having lost the first set, they knew they would have to be tougher on the court in order to win. Spikes from Schernecker found open court and gave Manawa points on the board. Defensively, Retzke challenged the Shiocton hitters at the net and made it trying for them to spike the ball. Back row player Cady dug up several attacks from Shiocton and made good passes to her setter. The Wolves played soundly, but the Chiefs held on for the set and match wins. With one more set to play, Manawa was not about to just give up. The third set was going to be a battle to the end. The score was close and each team took turns as leaders on the scoreboard. While playing in the front row, Sell attacked the ball, sending it over the net and to the ground. Front row assaults from Block and Levezow hit their opponent’s court and ensured a Manawa victory in set three.