Volleyball: Streaky Tigers win fourth straight

Emma Fahning (left) and Emily Nelson team up for a return (photo by Jim Lindquist)

In what has so far been a series of streaks, Farmington extended its current win string to four with a 3-0 win over Red Wing Tuesday night at Tiger Gym.

The Tigers opened the season with two wins, followed that up with five straight losses and now has raised its season record to 6-5.

None of the three games with the Wingers was that close with the home team winning by scores of  25-15, 25-18, 25-15.

"Believing in themselves," Tiger coach Mike Woody said. "That is the difference right now. These girls came into the season with a history of not being able to win the close matches.

"But they worked hard over the off-season and have played through some adversity. We have shown our versatility by playing through injuries and have been able to build some momentum."

The Tigers gradually pulled away in game one against the Wingers and then broke open a 13-13 tie with a 12-5 closing run in game two to build a commanding lead. The teams were deadlocked 11-11 in the third game before the winners put together a 14-4 finish to end the match in less than an hour.

Emma Fahning continued to fill up the stat sheet, registering team-highs in kills (12) and digs (16) as well as adding 14 serve receptions.

Rachel Eckert 16 serve receptions, 12 digs (photo by Jim Lindquist)

Rachel Eckert led in serve receptions with 16 and also racked up 12 digs. Mia Johnston and Ruthie Schmitt were 1-2 in set assists with 12 and 11 respectively. Johnston chipped in with four service aces and Schmitt had three. Kaylene Seurer was tops in blocks with five; Summer Skokan hit double digits in digs with 11.

Woody said his team is right about where he expected heading into this weekend's 16-team Tiger Invitational at Tiger Gym.

"Looking at our schedule, we optimistically thought we might be able to be 7-4," he said, "but we are playing very well right now and I like the direction we are headed."

Farmington opens Saturday's tourney with a 9:00 game with Dover-Eyota-St. Charles.