HILLSBORO — The improving Hillsboro volleyball team extended its winning streak to five matches with a sweep of visiting Wonewoc–Center last Thursday night.

     The Tigers played better as the match went on posting a 25–22, 25–20, 25–12 victory over the Wolves (4–9 overall, 2–5 SBC).

     “We started off slow in this match, but kept our heads and made plays down the stretch to come back and win first set,” said Hillsboro head coach Mark Sullivan. “Gradually, we played better as the match went on.”

     The Tigers served aggressively in the win, notching 15 aces on 73 attempts, but eight service errors led to an 89.0 service percentage on the night, which Sullivan called “too low.”

     “We hit .301 as a team with a balanced attack, which was a positive to see,” added Sullivan. “Jessica Mitchell is growing in her confidence and had a clean game with no errors.”

     Jessica Mitchell finished with five kills on just eight attempts, and had two blocks.

     Senior Tasha Mitchell led the Tigers’ balanced offensive attack with nine kills. Classmate Mackenzie Sullivan finished with eight kills and 11 assists. Sullivan and Mathis each had four aces.

     With the win, coach Sullivan’s Tigers improved to 11–7 overall and 6–1 in the Scenic Bluffs Conference, just one half game behind league-leading Royall (18–4, 7–1).

     Hillsboro traveled to Bangor (2–7, 2–5) Tuesday night and will return home to face last-place Necedah (1–9, 0–7) tonight at 7:15. Saturday, the Tigers will take part in the Reedsburg Invitational.

Hillsboro 3, Brookwood 1

     Last Tuesday, Hillsboro defeated visiting Brookwood for the second time in a week, 25–16, 25–19, 20–25, 25–17.

     “Brookwood fought hard and at times seem to out-work us but we were able to find a new gear and finish out the match,” said Sullivan. “We had a good hitting percentage as team with .343, but 12 service errors and serving at only 87 percent stunted our momentum. Too many dig and serve receive errors also helped Brookwood stay in the match. We need to stay focused and trust our technique with the basics to keep our run going in conference.”

     Mackenzie Sullivan had a triple–double of 15 kills, 19 digs and 17 assists to lead the Tigers in victory. Tasha Mitchell adde 10 kills and three blocks. Gabi Bjornsen finished with seven kills and three aces. April Thornsen had five kills, three aces and two blocks. Brittany Borchardt made 36 digs.

     “The improved play from Gabi and April at the net was nice to see,” added Sullivan. “Some of our players’ confidence is growing, which will help us as the year continues.”

Hillsboro 3, Brookwood 1
(from Tuesday, Sept. 22 @ Hillsboro)
Brookwood   16    19    25    17
Hillboro        25    25    20    25
Hillsboro Individual Stat Leaders
Kills: Mackenzie Sullivan 15, Tasha Mitchell 10, Gabi Bjornsen 7. Blocks: T. Mitchell 3, Thornsen 2. Aces: Sullivan 4, Courtney Fanta 3, Bjornsen 3, Thornsen 3. Assists: Alexis Mathis 18, Sullivan 17. Digs: Brittany Borchardt 36, Sullivan 19, Fanta 11.

Hillsboro 3, Wonewoc–Center 0
(from Thursday, Sept. 24 @ Hillsboro)
Wonewoc–Center  22    20    12
Hillboro                 25    25    25
Hillsboro Individual Stat Leaders
Kills: Tasha Mitchell 9, Mackenzie Sullivan 8, Sydney Mitchell 5, Jessica Mitchell 5. Blocks: Johnson 2, J. Mitchell 2. Aces: Sullivan 4, Alexis Mathis 4, Courtney Fanta 3. Assists: Sullivan 11, Mathis 9. Digs: Brittany Borchardt 21, Sullivan 8, Fanta 8.