Medford Volleyball Sweeps to Victory in Season Opener

Medford controlled play from the start in sweeping Dover-Eyota 3-0 Tuesday in non-conference volleyball. The Tigers won 25-15, 25-9, 25-13 to make a winner of Missy Underdahl in her varsity coaching debut. "We had a very successful night tonight...They weren't allowed to set their offense up, so that we were able to go forward strong on the net and run our offense...and it was fun."

Senior Amanda Honsey and sophomore Emma Kniefel led the Tigers in kills with junior Rachael Luebbe and freshman Kinsey Cronin having good nights at the net as well. Six different Tigers had ace serves. A loud, enthusiastic crowd, highlighted by a strong student section made for a festive night in the season opener.

Medford faces a big challenge Thursday when they play at top 10-ranked Hayfield.

Blooming Prairie opened their campaign with a 3-0 win over Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton, 25-16, 25-20, 25-17. BP coach Ranell Kittelson said, "Our team played some excellent volleyball tonight. They remained aggressive on offense and made some key blocks."

Heather Pirkl had 28 assists. Micalyn Trihus had 13 kills and six blocks. Sam Wurst had nine kills and a trio of blocks. Rachael Oswald delivered seven ace serves. Thursday the Awesome Blossoms go to NRHEG. The Panthers dropped their season opener Tuesday 3-0 at Nicollet.