Heart River suffers 3-0 shutout against Bowman County at home
Oct. 26—BELFIELD, N.D. — The Heart River volleyball team put up a fight, but it was lights out after three dominating sets as Bowman County claimed the road win in Belfield on Tuesday.
The 3-0 (25-15, 25-16, 25-18) match showcased talent from a superior Bulldogs (7-2, 18-9) squad, having been the benefactors of five days' rest. The Cougars (0-6, 4-15) have found difficulty all season, but displayed heart by continuing to fight.
It would be all Bowman County, who found success from the serving line in a 10 ace performance that would prove too much.
"I think it shows a lot of maturity on their part to come out focused and ready to play," Phil Weldele, Bowman head coach, said. " [Heart River] really hustled well and they went after balls. As far as our performance, I really liked how attuned we were with each other."
Heart River wasn't without some success, taking leads in the first two sets before consistent ball control issues would see the Bulldogs go on a run of points to take command of the court. The first point for the Cougars would come courtesy of senior Reagan Krump. Bowman County seniors also played a major role in the outcome, with Elli Powell delivering two aces in the game.
The Cougs took an early 6-5 lead in the first set, but the Bulldogs responded with a run of 10 points for the win.
Set two would be a close contest, tied at 11, before a 20-13 run of points capped with a backrow attack from the Bulldogs secured the second set.
"We just have a lot of trust and belief in one another," Weldele said. "We don't get worried if we fall behind."
The final game started with Bowman County taking a five point lead in what appeared to be the final blow. The Cougars rallied and despite having their worst start in the match, falling into a nine point deficit mid-set, Heart River would not lay down their arms. Chipping away at the deficit with every kill and block ushering a rallying battle cry from the Cougars sideline. The rally would see Heart River end the third set with 18 points — the most they had on the night.
"We work really hard and we definitely don't give up," Morgan Forrest, Heart River senior setter, said. "I would have to say that our teamwork has gotten better since the beginning of the season and we stick it out until the end."
Heart River Individual Stats:
Assists — 7, Morgan Forrest; 5, Molly Robb; Kills — 5, Robb; 3, Makenna Pavlicek; 2, Abby Talkington; 1 Reagan Krump; Blocks — 2, Dallas Olson; Digs — 11, Talkington; 9, Robb; 8 Jamie Buckman; Aces — 2 Buckman, 1 Talkington, Forrest.
Bowman County Individual Stats:
Assists — 24, Bailey Peterson; Kills — 8, Ellie Powell; 5, Claire Stafford; 3, Kennedy Senn; Blocks — 2, Peterson, Powell; 1 Stafford; Digs — 13, Avrie Nohava; 11, Emberly VanDaele; 7, Ashlyn Fischer; Aces — 2, Nohava, Van Daele, Kennedi Blankenbaker, Peterson, Powell.
