By Nick Beversdorf
Reporter
Hatchet volleyball traveled to Lakeland Union High School on Saturday to face off against fellow GNC rivals in the first of two conference tournaments. Things went up and down for the Hatchets, however, as they lost to Mosinee and Northland Pines but defeated Rhinelander in a five-set game.
Pines defeated Tomahawk in three sets, 25-14, 26-24 and 25-17. For the next game, Tomahawk edged out Rhinelander in a five-set showdown. Tomahawk won the first two sets 25-19 and 25-22, but then Rhinelander won the next two sets 25-20 and 25-21. Tomahawk was able to defeat Rhinelander in the fifth set 15-8 to take the match victory. Lastly, Mosinee defeated Tomahawk in four sets, winning the first set 25-15, losing the second set 25-19 and winning the next two 25-16 and 25-10.
“We were up and down today, we had some really bright spots that we’ll remember and try to replicate; but we also had some we’ll try to forget,” comments head coach Paul Zierten. “We adjusted our lineup a little bit today and Beth Bunce did a nice job stepping in a tough spot. We started to have more offense today and Maggie Latzig proved to be an essential piece on the right side.
“I was very impressed by some of her swings against big blocks. Courtney Theiler continued to be a consistent passer and Elena Wallenfang swung well again today. Changing the lineup had some big upsides for us and some parts we need to work on in the next week. I was content (or as content as I can be) for the most part for making a big switch but we still need to play smarter and be quicker.
“I like the progress we’re making and can see the wheels turning in the girl’s heads. They know what they need to do now; I don’t have to tell them. We’re excited for the upcoming week against Antigo and Newman.”
Hatchet varsity volleyball will be at Antigo on Tuesday at 7 p.m. and will then be at Newman Catholic on Thursday at 7 p.m.