MONROE - Monroe senior setter Brianna Zimmerman was a sophomore the last time the Cheesemakers won a Badger South Conference volleyball match.
Monroe volleyball fans won't have to wait any longer after the Cheesemakers snapped a 13-match league losing streak by sweeping three games from conference newcomer Fort Atkinson, 25-23, 25-10, 25-19 Thursday night.
"It feels awesome," Zimmerman said. "We haven't had this feeling for a long time. I'm proud of the girls. To put it down in three games is the way to do it.
"It's emotional. You are thrilled to be winning, especially on your home floor."
The Cheesemakers (4-3, 1-1 Badger South) used the emotional high of pullling out a tight first game to set the tone in the second. Junior Jamie Armstrong, who had 20 kills and three blocks, helped the Cheesemakers storm out to a 13-4 lead.
"They needed to believe in themselves and know they can do it," Monroe coach Dave Gersbach said. "They got that first one under their belt."
Armstrong had plenty of help with accurate passing and some lethal serving. Monroe senior setter Kayla Streff had 21 assists and Zimmerman had seven, which set up the Cheesemakers' hitters.
"Every play starts with that pass," Gersbach said. "That is the backbone of the team."
Zimmerman had five straight service points, including an ace in the second game to help the Cheesemakers open up a big lead. Zimmerman finished with a team-high three aces and senior Emily Rufenacht had 13 digs.
"It's all about consistency," Zimmerman said. "You practice and practice. It takes a while to get it down."
Gersbach lauded the contributions of the seniors.
"The seniors are stepping up and taking charge of this team," he said. "That is what we want. That is what we need."
Gersbach said the parent and fan support made a difference.
"It's huge," Gersbach said of the win. "We normally don't play great in this gym. The enthusiasm helped drive the girls all night long. The girls really needed to hear that support."
Monroe volleyball fans won't have to wait any longer after the Cheesemakers snapped a 13-match league losing streak by sweeping three games from conference newcomer Fort Atkinson, 25-23, 25-10, 25-19 Thursday night.
"It feels awesome," Zimmerman said. "We haven't had this feeling for a long time. I'm proud of the girls. To put it down in three games is the way to do it.
"It's emotional. You are thrilled to be winning, especially on your home floor."
The Cheesemakers (4-3, 1-1 Badger South) used the emotional high of pullling out a tight first game to set the tone in the second. Junior Jamie Armstrong, who had 20 kills and three blocks, helped the Cheesemakers storm out to a 13-4 lead.
"They needed to believe in themselves and know they can do it," Monroe coach Dave Gersbach said. "They got that first one under their belt."
Armstrong had plenty of help with accurate passing and some lethal serving. Monroe senior setter Kayla Streff had 21 assists and Zimmerman had seven, which set up the Cheesemakers' hitters.
"Every play starts with that pass," Gersbach said. "That is the backbone of the team."
Zimmerman had five straight service points, including an ace in the second game to help the Cheesemakers open up a big lead. Zimmerman finished with a team-high three aces and senior Emily Rufenacht had 13 digs.
"It's all about consistency," Zimmerman said. "You practice and practice. It takes a while to get it down."
Gersbach lauded the contributions of the seniors.
"The seniors are stepping up and taking charge of this team," he said. "That is what we want. That is what we need."
Gersbach said the parent and fan support made a difference.
"It's huge," Gersbach said of the win. "We normally don't play great in this gym. The enthusiasm helped drive the girls all night long. The girls really needed to hear that support."
