MONTICELLO – Even with one of their top players missing last Thursday night’s season opener, the River Ridge varsity volleyball team had little trouble with visiting Kickapoo, as they won the non-conference match, 3-1.
Nursing a sprained ankle, junior Taylor Langmeier had to watch her teammates open up the 2017 season at home, but had to take comfort in knowing her team got the job done in her absence.
After winning the first two games by scores of 25-11 and 25-19, the Timberwolves couldn’t complete the sweep, losing the third game, 25-18.
Coach Dianne Langmeier’s squad then put an end to the match with a 25-17 victory in the fourth game.
Leading the Timberwolves with 13 kills was sophomore Skylar White, who also had 12 digs in the win.
Junior setter Verity Johnson dished out 25 assists to go along with one block, while sophomore Faith Schier came up with 18 digs.
On the following Saturday, coach Langmeier’s squad participated in the Six Rivers East Tournament held at Monticello High School, where the Timberwolves went 5-0 on the day to win the team championship.
In pool play, River Ridge swept Highland, Black Hawk and Juda, then advanced to the championship match with a semifinal sweep of Pecatonica.
Waiting for the Timberwolves in the championship match was Black Hawk, who had beaten Darlington to get another shot at River Ridge.
Again the Timberwolves swept the Warriors, 25-11 and 25-21, earning the team championship.
The Timberwolves were again without Taylor Langmeier during pool play, but the junior outside hitter suited up and played in the semifinal and championship matches.
“With all the different changes in the line up the last few days, it was so nice to see other girls stepping in and taking charge,” coach Langmeier said of her squad.
“The girls played with great hustle and good ball control. We wanted to improve on our serving since we missed nine serves against Kickapoo, and I think we probably only missed about nine all day on Saturday,” Langmeier said.
“I am so proud of how the girls all worked together and truly played as a team”
Selected to the All-Tournament Team on Saturday was Skylar White, who put down a whopping 51 kills to go along with 61 digs and four solo blocks.
Taylor Langmeier added four service aces, as did Verity Johnson, who also dished out 58 assists.
Following this past Tuesday night’s home match against visiting Cassville, the Timberwolves will travel to Shullsburg on Thursday.
River Ridge 3, Kickapoo 1
(from Thursday, Aug. 24)
Kickapoo 11 19 25 17
River Ridge 25 25 18 25
River Ridge leaders
Kills - Skylar White 13, Rylee Zinkle 8. Digs - Faith Schier 18, Skylar White 12. Aces - Rylee Zinkle 2, Jordyn Vogt 2. Assists - Verity Johnson 25, Jordyn Vogt 6. Blocks - Rachael Herrick 1, Verity Johnson 1, Rylee Zinkle 1.
Monticello Tourney
(from Saturday Aug. 26)
Pool play
River Ridge 2, Highland 0 (25-10, 25-18)
River Ridge 2, Black Hawk 0 (25-19 25-14)
River Ridge 2, Juda 0 (25-20, 25-20)
Semifinal match
River Ridge 2, Pecatonica 0 (25-4, 25-16)
Championship match
River Ridge 2, Black Hawk 0 (25-11, 25-21)
River Ridge leaders
Kills - Skylar White 51, Rachael Herrick 18. Digs - White 61, Herrick 34. Aces - Taylor Langmeier 4, Verity Johnson 4. Assists - Johnson 58, Jordyn Vogt 23. Blocks - White 4, Langmeier 2.
