LIVINGSTON — It was an up and down week for the Iowa–Grant volleyball team.
Last Tuesday the Panthers swept visiting Boscobel, 25–21, 25–18, 25–20 to improve to 5–4 in conference play.
Just two days later coach Marla Simon’s Iowa–Grant team suffered a frustrating four-set loss at Fennimore, 19–25, 25–21, 21–25, 13–25.
The Golden Eagles (4–15, 1–9) were winless in conference play entering the match.
“I’m really not too happy with this loss,” said Simon. “We didn’t play with much intensity or hustle, and Fennimore did.”
Iowa–Grant (18–8, 5–5 SWAL) bounced back after an opening-set loss to even the match, but it was Fennimore’s night.
“I thought we were okay after winning the second set and feeling some rhythm, but I was wrong,” added Simon. “It was a very inconsistent match by everyone. I’m disappointed in this match.”
Senior middle hitter Mariah Ginter had seven kills and five blocks to lead the Panthers in defeat.
Junior Jessica Pluemer had five kills and five blocks. Fellow junior Emma Liddicoat added five kills.
The Panthers played much better in Tuesday’s win over the Bulldogs (8–16, 1–9).
Junior setter Taylor Liddicoat passed out 35 assists, while Emma Liddicoat racked up 15 kills.
“Taylor did a great job setting up the offense, and we really balanced it out quite a bit, even with Emma leading us in kills,” added Simon. “Emma and Haley Yelinek were also very consistent from the service line, especially in the second and third set.”
The Panthers hosted Riverdale Tuesday for Senior Night and will close out the regular season Thursday at Mineral Point.
I–G will open the WIAA Division 3 playoffs next Tuesday. The regional pairings will be announced Thursday morning.
Iowa–Grant 3, Boscobel 0
(from Tuesday, Oct. 6 @ Livingston)
Boscobel 21 18 20
Iowa–Grant 25 25 25
Iowa–Grant stat leaders
Kills: Emma Liddicoat 15, Elana Winders 7, Jessica Pluemer 7, Mariah Ginter 5. Blocks: Ginter 3, Pluemer 2. Aces: Pluemer 2. Assists: Taylor Liddicoat 35. Digs: Haley Yelinek 10, Maranda McCarthy 6, T. Liddicoat 5, Pluemer 5, E. Liddicoat 5.
Fennimore 3, Iowa–Grant 1
(from Tuesday, Oct. 8 @ Fennimore)
Iowa–Grant 19 25 21 13
Fennimore 25 21 25 25
Iowa–Grant stat leaders
Kills: Mariah Ginter 7, Emma Liddicoat 5, Jessica Pluemer 5. Blocks: J. Pleumer 7, Ginter 5, Taylor Liddicoat 4. Aces: Hannah Stevens 4. Assists: Taylor Liddicoat 25. Digs: Haley Yelinek 10.
