Hermantown Volleyball Girls Off To Tremendous Start

Wes Vork-NSO

Click here for the complete game box score

For additional photos click here to view our complete photo gallery

Sept 6, 2012

Dwight Cadwell-NSO

The Hermantown Hawks have been on a roll this volleyball season, as they have opened up this 2012 fall sports season with four straight victories and three of those victories the Hawks have been giant killers, beating the two time defending section champion Esko Eskomos and wins over Class AAA Duluth East and now a hard earned victory Thursday night over Grand Rapids.

The Hawks, who came from behind to knock of the Thunderhawks Thursday night at Hermantown High School, found themselves down after dropping the first game 25-20, a game in which they trailed the entire way. Hermantown responded winning the next two games 25-15 and 25-12.

The Hawks led in the fourth game late 20-16, but Grand Rapids came back and took the fourth game 25-23. Head Coach Sue Wasbotten said “Volleyball is a game of momentum and I was proud how they came back in the last game.” “It’s also a little unnerving when it’s your daughter serving when the game is on the line, but I am proud of this group that they got it done and closed things out when they needed to.” The Hawks won the final game of the set 15-12 to take the match and move to 4-0 on the season.

The Hawks, who knocked off Grand Rapids for the first time this season, had the “Continuity on the court” Head Coach Wasbotten stated. “These girls are all friends on and off the court; that makes a big difference when everyone gets along so well.” “They all have played together for a long time and most play JO’s”

Things don’t get easier for the Hawks who will face Greenway, then take on another traditionally strong Hibbing team and finish out the week by playing in a 12 team tournament next weekend in Crosby. “I am glad we are playing well and hope we can continue on throughout the season into the playoffs” Wasbotten stated.

The Hawks were led by Stephanie Kallberg, who finished with 20 kills, Katie Thun added 15 kills, many of which were at opportune times near the end of the fifth game, Emily Neumann had 49 set assists, Nicole Kienzle had 10 kills, and Jessica Wasbotten finished with 11 digs in the victory for the Hawks.

Hermantown improves now to 4-0 on the season and they will be in action again on Monday when they will face the Raiders in Greenway. The Thunderhawks fall to 3-1 overall on the season and they will play in the Keller Tournament this Saturday in Coon Rapids. Cloquet will also play in the tournament.

Dwight Cadwell can be reached at dwight@northlandsportsonline.com