Merrill Varsity Girls improve each set, but DCE prevails in Conference volleyball opener

TINA L. SCOTT
EDITOR

The Merrill Girls Varsity Volleyball Team faced off against DC Everest (DCE) in their first Conference match-up on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, at DC Everest. Though the Merrill Girls fought hard and progressively improved each set, the DCE Girls prevailed this time around.
“The night before our match, we were watching film, getting prepped for the big day,” Merrill Varsity Girls Volleyball Head Coach Kasie Holt said. “I could start to see wide eyes and feel nerves in the room.”
“Prior to Thursday evening, we played 10 matches, but all in tournaments, ending with a record of 5-5,” she said. “Ten matches is a lot, but nothing can compare to your first Conference game. Conference games bring a different level of excitement, between playing rivals, loud student sections, having your name announced, and being in the silence before a serve, as you are the only game in the gym to watch.”
“DCE is a great team that is driven by eight seniors. We knew going in that it was going to be tough, but our four returners gave all the advice they could to the newcomers to make them feel as comfortable as possible,” Holt said.
“Losing is never fun or easy, but it always feels better when I know everybody tried their best,” she said. “As you can see from the final scores, each set we shook off the jitters, settled in, and improved as a team. In fact, for most of the third set, we had a comfortable lead. Grace Hoff and Brooklyn Harding became a blocking wall on the right side, shutting down one of DCE’s bigger outside hitters - their touches on the ball really started to shift the momentum of the game for us.”
“For the night, Kendell Klug led the team with 2 service aces, Ava Detert with 17 digs, Kaela Clerveaux with 14 assists, and Grace Hoff with 5 kills,” Holt said. “Even though it didn’t end the way we wanted it to, I am SO proud of this team for not giving up and for fighting until the end. We are better for it and we will be ready for round two when we see DCE at the Wisconsin Valley Conference Tournament on Oct. 12.”

Box Score
Merrill @ DC Everest
DC Everest won in 3 sets: 12-25, 16-25, 22-25