Volleyball: Tigers face Albert Lea in quarters

Senior Ruthie Schmitt 35 set assists, 2 service aces (photo by Jim Lindquist)

Farmington made short work of Red Wing in an opening round match of the Section 1AAA tournament played Wednesday night at Tiger Gym.

The fifth-seeded Tigers swept the three-game set by scores of 25-17, 25-12, and 25-18.

"We had moments of brilliance and moments that were not pretty, but that is volleyball," Tiger coach Mike Woody said. "We did a really good job of running a balanced offense which created opportunities all across the net."

"Kenzie (Hesse) and Emma (Fahning) played very well on the outside in all aspects of the game, while the rest of the team was very solid overall."

Fahning and Hesse, a pair of aggressive freshmen hitters, both filled up the stat sheet, tying for the team-high in kills with 13 apiece. Fahning added 14 serve receptions, 13 digs and pair of service aces while Hesse chipped in with eight digs and eight receptions.

Senior setter Ruthie Schmitt kept the offense humming with 35 assists over the three games and also served up a couple of aces. Vanessa Garske added a pair of of service aces for the winners.

Diana Comes 12 serve receptions, 9 digs (photo by Jim Lindquist)

Libero Diana Comes had a solid night, recording 12 serve receptions and nine digs. Summer Skokan and Morgan Cecchittini each came up with a block.

The opening round victory earned fifth-seeded Farmington (18-11) a trip to Albert Lea Friday night to take on the fourth-seeded "other" Tigers who sit at 15-9.

"If we can pass well and play solid defense, we can win." Woody said. "Anytime we do those two things well, our offense always seems to follow suit.  

"We also need to play to win down the stretch in the close games.  We have given away too many games that we were in position to win by playing not to lose."

The winner of Friday night's match-up advances to the section semifinals slated for next Thursday, Oct. 31 at the higher-seeded school.

 
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