Mavs split first pair of games

The North Country Maverick volleyball team opened up the first week of their regular season 1-1 despite facing tough opponents.

"We are making strides in the right direction," First-year Mavericks Head Coach Charlene Wasson told the PCN.

The team opened up their regular season by defeating Class B's Harlem Ladycats in five sets.

North Country was led by Kaitlyn McColly who had the team lead in digs with 10 of the team's 31, in aces scoring five of the team's 14, and in blocks registering six of the team's seven.

Danika Soper led in attack percentage, with nine of her ten (90%) attacks going over the net. Elise Strommen had the highest percentage of successful serves, with 14-15 (93%) serves goes over the net.

The Mavericks dropped their first set to Harlem 25-20. The team rebounded with a 25-16 win in the second set. North Country continued to put the pressure on, winning the third set 25-19. Harlem then kept their hopes alive by winning the fourth set 25-22. North Country took the final set 15-8.

"We were talking and moving and just gelling," Coach Wasson said. "Our serves were going over and it was nice."

The Mavs would lose their next game to the Scobey Spartans in three sets. The scores were 7-25, 19-25, and 13-25.

"They are probably the best opponent that we will play this season," Coach Wasson said. "We just played a totally seasoned team that just went to state last year. They look like they know what they are doing and we are just putting puzzle pieces together."

Though the team lost the game in three sets, Coach Wasson saw some good things from her squad.

"We didn't quit," Coach Wasson said. "Even when we were getting hammered at, we didn't quit."

The Mavericks were led by McColly who led the team with seven of 19 digs and tying teammate Jaydyn Erickson in blocks. Both had three blocks, and the team had a total of seven. McColly, Strommen, and Kia Wasson each had two aces, making up the team's total of six.

Emilie Carrillo was five-for-five in serves going over the net into play. K. Wasson led in attack efficiency, with 11-of-12 attempts (92%) clearing the net.

Coach Wasson seemed pleased with the team's effort at serve receive, but the passes weren't quite where they needed to be.

"We had some nice passes finally, but we have to be able to set up our hitters," Coach Wasson said.

To help with passing efficiency and other aspects of the game, Coach Wasson has employed a weekly board that awards her athletes by being the best passer, attacker and player with the highest efficiency.

"I do it for JV and Varsity, so if you played at all, you are in the running," Coach Wasson said.

The board is displayed in the Hinsdale High School gym every Monday.

"If you're up on this board all of the time then you are doing your job and you're very steady at it," Coach Wasson said.

The Mavericks will participate in the Froid/Medicine Lake Invitational on Saturday, September 8.

As the week continues the team will work on their rotations for future games.

"Right now we are just trying to find a fluid six that works together and I think that we have honed in on that a little bit," Coach Wasson said. "I think we played really good against Harlem. I don't think we let more than two volleyballs hit the floor without a touch on them."