New London beats Waupaca, falls to Xavier
By Scott Bellile
After defeating Waupaca in round one of regional volleyball play two nights earlier, the New London Bulldogs fell to Xavier and ended their season on Thursday, Oct. 22.
No. 4 seed New London lost all three sets to No. 1 seed Xavier in round two. New London coach Kirbianne Dunlavy said her girls went into the game with a vengeance, determined to frustrate and shut down a few of the Hawks’ hitters.
“We had some key blocks from Olivia Steingraber throughout the match and some great defense from McCoy Mix and Abby Elsholtz in the back row,” Dunlavy said. “Unfortunately the Hawks took control right away during the second and third set, which resulted in a three-set loss for the Bulldogs.”
This past season multiple injuries removed some of the Bulldogs’ strongest athletes from play, Dunlavy said. And one of the team’s biggest struggles was finishing a game after holding a lead for the majority of the set, she said.
But the tight-knit girls encouraged and challenged each other every day at practice, allowing the team to pull together and do its best, Dunlavy said.
“We had a very hilarious and scrappy group of girls though that were always pushing each other, and each and every girl did improve this season,” Dunlavy said. “I’m excited for what’s in store for the future of the New London volleyball program.”
New London vs. Xavier (loss): 19-25, 12-25, 13-25.
Stat leaders
Aces – McCoy Mix 1
Digs – Mccoy Mix 11; Abby Elsholtz 10
Assists – Megan Kronser 6; Molly O’Connell 6
Kills – Melissa Kronser 5; Faith Carothers 4
Blocks – Olivia Steingraber 5
New London 3, Waupaca 1
NEW LONDON – Earlier in the week, the Bulldogs defeated No. 5 seed Waupaca on Oct. 20 in the first round of the regional tournament.
Dunlavy said the Bulldogs were excited for the challenges the regional tournament brings.
“We had a slow start against Waupaca but once the girls got into the game we were definitely a good matchup against the scrappy Comets,” Dunlavy said. “It was an exciting night of volleyball to be played and watched with the final outcome being in the favor of the Bulldogs.”
New London vs. Waupaca (win): 19-25, 25-19, 25-21, 25-7.
Stat leaders
Aces: Megan Kronser, 6. Molly O’Connell, 3. Macy Madsen, 3.
Digs: McCoy Mix, 13. Abby Elsholtz, 9. Kasey Pinch, 7.
Assists: Megan Kronser, 22. Molly O’Connell, 10.
Kills: Faith Carothers, 7. Macy Madsen, 7. Abby Elsholtz, 5.
Blocks: Macy Madsen, 3.