Eskomos top Bulldogs

Photos by: Marianne Pierson

Eskomos Top Bulldogs in Polar League Battle

ESKO- Thursday night saw the Esko Eskomos and the Carlton Bulldogs meet up to decide the top spot in the polar league standings. The Bulldogs and the Eskomos both undefeated in conference place and the Bulldogs coming off a second place finish in the Hancock tournament and playing some of their best volleyball of the season these two teams were poised to make it a match to remember and it was that Thursday as the Eskomos prevailed in five game to beat the Bulldogs 3-2.

The Eskomos jumped out fast in the first game of the match and would see the Bulldogs battle back and take a 17-16 lead in the game.

This back and forth lead change was a common occurrence throughout the night as these two teams traded the lead six times in the first game of the match which saw the Eskomos top he Bulldogs 28-26.

The second game of the match again saw these two teams battle back and forth on the night and in the end the Bulldogs behind some solid play from Grace Macor up front took home the second games 25-21 and evened the match at 1-1.

The third game again saw eight lead changes but it was the Eskomos who trailed 18-12 and a time out to regroup saw the Eskomos out score the Bulldogs 14-6 down the stretch to take another extended game at 26-24.

The Bulldogs trailing 2-1 came back in the fourth game of the match to even the match at 2-2 with a 25-21 victory. This fourth game of the match saw 11 lead changes  as the Bulldogs pulled away after a 20-20 tie to outscore the Eskomos 5-1 to pick up the win and even the match.

The Eskomos Courtney Johnson reeled off seven straight serves in the fifth game of the match as the Eskomos hung on for a 15-13 win in the deciding fifth game of the set.

Molly Trapp had several huge blocks on that fifth game and added 4 kills including the game winner on the night.

The Bulldogs fall to 17-3 on the season and they are in action again Saturday when they play in the Mora invitational.

The Eskomos with the victory move to 13-6 on the season and they will face the Wrens of Wrenshall next Tuesday night.

The Eskomos were led by Courtney Johnston who finished with 42 set assists and 16 digs, Christaia Houser finished with 12 blocks and 12 kills, Molly Trapp had 11 Blocks and 19 kills, Mary Pelletier had 14 digs an 2 ace serves and Judy Wagemaker ended the night with 17 digs.

The Bulldogs were led by Grace Macor who had 20 kills, 17 digs, and 7 blocks, Hannah Benson ended with 24 set assists, and 9 digs, Brianna Walton had 16 set assists and 10 digs, Amanda Groth added 15 digs, 4 ace serves, Macy Belich chipped in with 12 kills, 24 digs, and added 4blocks.  

Dwight Cadwell can be reached at Dwight@northlandsportsonline.com