Truckers win in 5th set
By Erik Buchinger
Clintonville girls’ volleyball defeated New London in five sets 25-23, 23-25, 25-18, 20-25, 15-8 on Tuesday, Aug. 28.
Truckers’ first-year head coach Stephanie Pinno said she was happy with how her team played after returning from a tournament in Wisconsin Dells.
“We came back from the Wisconsin Dells where we didn’t get as many wins as we would have hoped,” Pinno said. “We were ready to fight, and we came out here and that’s what we did.”
New London’s first-year head coach Kaitlyn Thompson said she was happy with how her team played despite the loss.
“I was really impressed with the girls,” Thompson said. “We have been really focusing on playing as a team and playing together and being positive. I think when we do that, we play our best. We did that a lot of that tonight, so I was really proud of them or that.”
The Truckers earned a first set win after scoring eight consecutive points to win 25-23. Clintonville player Chelsey Birling said the key to the comeback was the Truckers’ intensity.
“We had to keep our energy up the whole entire time, and it was just really fun to play,” Birling said. “It was so exciting, and I’m just glad we came out with the win.”
New London tied the game in the second set with a 25-23 win before the Truckers went ahead 25-18.
“Getting these games under our belt especially tonight with a crowd, I think was awesome for us, and I’m excited for some of our home games coming up,” Thompson said.
With a mix of New London and Clintonville students in the crowd, Birling said the atmosphere helped the Truckers earn the win.
“That was a huge key, and they helped us keep our energy up the whole entire time,” Birling said.
New London won the fourth set 25-20, and the Truckers controlled the fifth set for a 15-8 win.
“I think it was necessary for us to get this first win so we can set the pace for the rest of the season,” Pinno said.