VOLLEYBALL

The Forester volleyball team kicked off their season by picking off #RV Indiana Tech in three, 25-18, 25-22, 25-20, Friday morning as part of the Onset Invitational hosted by Saint Francis at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum. Several hours later, HU was at it again to snatch another win, this time a 3-1 decision, 9-25, 25-22, 25-12, 25-19, over UNOH.

Against the Warriors, it was the first game of the season for both teams with HU the clear aggressors. Aside from three ties, Huntington enjoyed a lead throughout the opening set which included an 8-1 run following a 17-17 deadlock. Sophomore Haley Kruse collected five of her game-high 11 kills down the stretch to will her team to the first set win.

Herber and crew never trailed in the second set for win No. 2 before having to overcome an early 9-3 deficit in the third on the way to the sweep over a Warrior squad that went 28-8 last season. A 19-19 stalemate late in the game saw the Foresters take over, outscoring Tech 6-1 to secure their statement win.

In addition to Kruse’s offensive firepower, Maisyn Robrock was also a force at the net having put down nine kills. Kortney Grimm and Trevyn Terry were also in on the action with six and five kills respectively.

Senior Morgan Robrock orchestrated the offense by handing out 29 assists. The veteran setter also posted 2.5 blocks and dug up ten balls. Defensive specialist Layla Meyer picked up where she left off last season by collecting 13 digs, five assists and three aces.

Coach Kelsey Herber liked her team’s fast start to the year. “I am proud of my team for playing a strong match to start our season.

“Morgan ran a beautiful offense, and our attackers were aggressive and effective. Haley and Trevyn were consistent powerful offensive weapons for us.”

The Foresters got off to a rocky start against UNOH having scored just nine points in the first set but quickly righted their wrong by calmly regaining their composure to the tune of three straight wins. Most impressive about their bounce back was they trailed only three times after the first set and in those fleeting moments, they never let the Racer advantage exceed two points.

“I’m proud of how we flipped the switch and responded after a challenging first set,” noted Herber. “I think it built confidence in our team moving forward, and I’d rather us run into adversity early on so we can learn from it before conference play.”

Kruse filled the stat sheet for Herber’s crew. In addition to pounding out 12 kills, the sophomore outside hitter also logged ten digs, three aces and 2.5 blocks. Maisyn Robrock tallied nine kills while the middles, Leah Carter and Terry, put down six apiece.

The veteran Robrock ran the offense by dishing out 35 dimes. She finished with eight digs as part of the defensive clan that covered the backline. Meyer topped HU with 14 digs while Makailah Thompson and Olivia Krahn added seven and six respectively.

“I thought Olivia played excellent defense for us, and I’m grateful to be a part of a team where we recognize that the pass or dig is what puts us in a position to score,” said Herber. “We are never going to stop celebrating that.”

The Foresters (2-0) head back to the Coliseum in the morning to face Wayland Baptist at 11:00 a.m. and IU South Bend at 5:30 p.m.