MINERAL POINT - Cuba City started off strong in their SWAL opener, kicking off their title defense with a 3–1 victory over the host Mineral Point Pointers on Thursday, Sept. 3.
Senior Kaitlyn Kaiser smashed 20 kills and added eight blocks to lead the Cubans’ attack, while senior Emily Wiederholt contributed 13 digs, eight service aces and four blocks to the victory.
The Cubans (8–2–3 overall, 1–0 SWAL) jumped ahead of the Pointers (1–1) with wins of 25–13 and 25–9 in the first two sets.
“The team was excited to start the conference season. I was really pleased with how we went after it from the first whistle. It seemed as if we had an open net to swing at for a lot of the match, and our hitters really came out swinging thanks to some fantastic setting by Ally Averkamp,” said Cuba City head coach Keri Lawson. “During set two, we took a big lead while Emily was serving. She had a streak going with five aces mixed in.”
The hosts warded off the sweep with a 25–23 decision over Lawson’s squad in set three, but the Cubans came back strong and closed out the match with a 25–14 win in set four.
“During set three, things became interesting. Mineral Point came out the aggressor and we were caught on our heels on coverage. Point led most of the set, and then we clawed our way back in late in the set to tie it at 23 all. Point found two points after a timeout and it was over. Set four was tough for both teams with the heat. Our kids found just enough energy to take control and push it through for the win,” Lawson commented.
Averkamp, a junior setter, finished the night dishing out 36 assists for the Cubans. Senior Jessi Marti added 10 kills and six aces, while senior Allison Brogley recorded 10 digs in the match.
Sydney Staver had nine kills and three aces to lead the Pointers.
Cuba City has SWAL matches at Iowa-Grant on Thursday, Sept. 10, and at Riverdale on Tuesday, Sept. 15.
Cuba City…….. 25 25 23 25
Mineral Point… 13 9 25 14
Cuba City Stat Leaders: Kills: kaitlyn Kaiser, 20. Blocks: Kaiser, 8. Digs: Emily Wiederholt, 12. Assists: Ally Averkamp, 36. Aces: Wiederholt, 8
At Mineral Point on Thursday, Sept. 3
