Henning defeats NYM, Rothsay 3-0

Photo by Chad Koenen
The Henning volleyball bench and fans cheer as the final point hit the ground during Saturday’s sub section semi-final game against New York Mills. The Hornets won the close match by a score of 3-0 to advance to this week’s sub section championship game against Breckenridge. The game will be held on Thursday in Fergus Falls.

The Henning Hornets started their post season Sub-Section 6A play with two wins. With these two wins, Henning has improved to 24-5 on the season.  

In their first round of play, the Hornets played the Rothsay, who had defeated Battle Lake 3-1 in the play in round. The Hornets defeated Rothsay 3-0 (25-15, 25-13, 25-8). In the second round of tournament play, they faced New York Mills. The Eagles had defeated Park Christian in their first round. The Hornets defeat NY Mills 3-0 (26-24, 25-16, 25-22).

Photos by Chad Koenen
Natalie Eckhoff and Myiesha Antoni attempt to block a shot during Wednesday’s Section 6A opener in Henning.

In their game against Rothsay, the Hornets controlled the tempo from start to finish. Rothsay did a nice job getting some blocks up and also getting some good digs, but the Hornets passed well and were able to move the ball along the net, which was too much for Rothsay in the end.  

Henning served 98 percent with 7 aces, they had 39 kills, hitting at .200 and serve received to target 93 percent. All players on the bench were able to get into the match. Lila Thorson, Lilian Moench, Alivia Gunderson, Ella Missling and Alissa Winters all did a great job when they got into the game.  

Lyvia Misegades sends a spike past a blocker from Rothsay during Tuesday’s game against the Tigers. Misegades had 9 kills in Saturday’s game against New York Mills. 

The game against NY Mills was intense.  The Eagles are a very scrappy team that can keep the ball alive. They have a couple strong attackers and can give out of system balls anytime.  

The Hornets started on fire, but the Eagles settled down and managed to come back and tie the score at 20-20. The score went back and forth and a kill down the line from Natalie Eckhoff ended the first set. 

In the second set, the Hornets controlled the tempo. Henning was able to get kills and had some big blocks.  

The third set was a back and forth game, but the Hornets stayed focused and kept attacking from all along the net, which enabled the Eagles to get blocks they needed.  

Alivia Gunderson did an amazing job, as she had to sub in for Myiesha Anotoni, who had an ankle sprain. Head coach Kristy Finck said the energy was great in the gym, which made for a fun night.

As a team the Hornets served 95 percent with 6 aces. Ally Hart, Aaliyah Olson and Gretchen Eckhoff all served 100 percent. Eckhoff led the team with 2 aces. 

The Hornets had 45 kills, hitting at .150. Hart led the team with 15 kills, Becca Frederick had 12 Lyvia Misegades had 9, Natalie Eckhoff 4, Gretchen Eckhoff 3 and Gunderson had 2. Hart led in digs with 28, Faith Fisher 23 and Gretchen Eckhoff had 21. Henning serve received 90 percent to target, which helped Misegades spread the ball to their hitters. She led the team in assists with 33 and Gretchen Eckhoff had 7.  

The Hornets are off until Thursday, Nov. 3. They will play the 6 p.m. game at the Fergus Falls High School against the Breckenridge Cowgirls. Breckenridge was the third seed in the sub section and defeated second seeded Hillcrest 3-0 on Friday. The Cowgirls are 23-5 on the season.

On the other side of the section, top seeded Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa will take on second seeded Brandon-Evansville on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in Fergus Falls. The section championship game will be held on Saturday at 7 p.m. in Fergus Falls.