Class 2A Powers Battle in Lopsided Contest

<p>Class 2A's #1 ranked Stewartville Tigers hosted the #3 ranked Kasson-Mantorville Komets on Tuesday evening. In the highly anticipated match it was all about Stewartville as they controlled the match from start to finish for the 3-0 (25-14, 25-15, 25-17) victory. Certainly the home court advantage is a big factor, especially given how both teams have great support from very knowledgable and committed volleyball fans. The major players for each team were on display but it is in the role players and some reserves that some of the biggest contributions were offered throughout the match. The range of productive skills goes well beyond the star players for both of these teams and that was on display in every facet with great service pressure, point scoring, and defense.</p> [caption id="attachment_65174" align="alignleft" width="391"] Erin Lamb[/caption] <p><strong>Stewartvillle Tigers</strong><br /> Both <strong>Kaitlyn Prondzinski</strong> <strong>(2020 | Illinois State commit)</strong> and <strong>Erin Lamb</strong> <strong>(2021 | Kentucky commit)</strong> brought their best, which meant that thunderous kills and big-time blocks were seen and heard throughout the evening. However, the support they received from some key teammates is really the key factor, not only in this match, but as they prepare for their march towards the state tournament and the crown that their #1 ranking currently indicates should be theirs for the taking. </p> <p><em><strong>Jolie Stecher - MH | 2021</strong></em><br /> Stecher is such a steady force in her capacity to do a lot of things for the Tigers. She is a capable offensive option with her size and athleticism and can score from a variety of locations. She also is part of the ball control aspect and can do a lot at the net defensively to force errors upon opposing attackers.</p> <p><em><strong>Jaidyn Brower - S | 2021</strong></em><br /> I am not sure that Brower gets the attention she deserves in being able to generate the offensive production that her hitters experience in the manner they experience it. Several times her key hitters were attacking the ball with little resistance in front of them, which allows them to terminate with great authority directly to the floor. Locating the ball so attackers can swing through seams or around the block with the heat and pace that Prondzinski and Lamb can bring is not an easy task. Brower does it well.</p> <p><em><strong>Lily Welch - OH | 2020</strong></em><br /> For me Welch was such a stabilizer in that she forced the Komets to have to pay attention to her and she was productive with her opportunities. Her involvement expands the Tigers' offense with added dimensions. She took aggressive swings and scored points. The more confidence they continue to grow in her will benefit everyone throughout their rotation.</p> <p><strong>Kasson-Mantorville Komets</strong><br /> The Komets have great leadership in <strong>Emily Terry (OH | Minnesota State-Mankato commit)</strong>, <strong>Mya Suess (MH | 2021)</strong>, and setter, <strong>Maddie Converse (S | 2022)</strong>. However, I was more impressed by the contributions of a handful of athletes that don't get a lot of attention. Stewartville may have won in convincing fashion but that is not to say that Komets won't learn from this and be a much better and more competitive team if they are to meet again over the next few weeks.</p> [caption id="attachment_65173" align="alignright" width="263"] Maddie Converse[/caption] <p><strong>Noelle VanOort (OH | 2021)</strong>, <strong>Avery Irish (OH | 2021)</strong>, <strong>Madison Cummings (OH | 2021)</strong><br /> Talking about them as a trio seems appropriate given how they all displayed similar ability to take aggressive swings that scored points or at minimum put pressure on the Tigers' defense-to-transition game. Irish and VanOort found success at the pins and Cummings came off the bench to provide a different look and to generate a spark in their effort. Along with <strong>Addison Bzoskie (OH | 2022)</strong>, the Komets have capable depth on the pins that that if they maintain consistency in their contributions while their stars in Terry and Seuss are finding success, then they suddenly become a very dangerous team. This match with Stewartville did not reach that level often enough with all moving parts producing in concert. We have seen Kasson-Mantorville at their best at times this year and they are quite good so I look forward to their progress going forward from this match. For the Tigers, I believe they control their own destiny as all the pieces are there for them as one of the best teams in the state across all classifications.</p>