MONONA — The Cheesemakers fell in straight sets in their first Badger South volleyball match of the year to Monona Grove 25-20, 25-16, 25-21.
“(We) battled hard against a tough MG team and they will only get better from here,” Monroe head coach Heidi Witt said. “Passing became progressively better in each set, our defense was digging the ball, and our serving was strong. We lacked communication in the second set, which caused us to get too deep into a hole. But the girls managed to start fresh in the third set and played with heart and determination.”
Sophomore Zoee Pond led Monroe (1-1, 0-1) in kills with eight, and both Lexi Davis and Cassie Gersbach had five. Pond also led her team with four aces. Sophomore Alyse Maurer had two aces and a team-high seven digs. Lily Frehner dished out 12 assists and Chloe Bunker had a block for Monroe.
“We were very proud of the girls tonight as they stuck with MG for the most part. They can play with these tough teams. Certainly, things to improve on but we can build from this match tonight and continue to get better,” Witt said.
Monroe Invitational, Aug. 25
Watertown Luther Prep topped Wisconsin Heights for the title at the Monroe Invite. Mount Horeb was third with Monroe fourth and New Glarus fifth.
The Cheesemakers swept the Glarner Knights 25-20, 25-16 for their only wins on the day.
“Overall we were pleased with how our players played,” Witt said. “We were pretty scrappy and our passing allowed our setter to do her job and feed our hitters. Defense is getting better and better when we get out on the court.”
Zoee Pond led Monroe with 26 kills on the day. Cassi Gersbach had 10 and Lexi Davis added nine. Pond also had five aces and 10 digs. Alyse Maurer had seven aces and 14 digs as libero, and Lily Frehner dished out 48 assists.
The Cheesemakers lost to Mount Horeb 25-17, 25-15, and nearly pulled out both sets against Luther Prep before falling 25-21, 25-21.
“Our biggest weakness this early in the season is communication. We can play competitively against these teams but when you can’t communicate with the players on the court that is when mistakes will happen,” Witt said. “We have to find a way to be bigger than any excuse we can give as to why the mistake happened. Everyone had a chance to play today and that was nice to see. It’s early in the season and we are still working out some kinks but we are getting there. We believe in them – we know they can overcome and battle back.”
Heights beat Monroe 25-18, 25-17 moments after taking down Mount Horeb in three sets.
New Glarus was swept in all four matches, losing to Heights 25-8, 25-14, then Mount Horeb 25-13, 25-11, Monroe and then Luther Prep 25-5, 25-9.
Alexah Mellenberger led the Knights with five kills. Lola Gillaspie had eight blocks and two aces. Lily Himmelmann had eight aces and six digs, Jada Malaise had eight assists and Brooke Watrud recorded nine digs.
