VOLLEYBALL

The Huntington volleyball team faced one of the nation’s best in Marian Wednesday evening at the MU Physical Education Center and quickly learned their hosts’ No. 22 ranking is well-deserved. The Knights took care of business in straight sets, 25-11, 25-20, 25-21.

With this loss, HU drops to 8-7 overall, 2-3 in league action. For the Knights, tonight’s W comes on the heels of their first loss of the year, a 3-0 decision to IWU, as they improve to 12-1 on the year which includes a 3-1 CL record. Marian has a well-documented history of success in the league as evidenced by holding a win streak of at least five over five CL schools which includes a six-game stint over HU.

After a rough start, the Foresters stayed within a few points of MU in the final two sets on a night that came and went too quickly if you were in Forester green and white. But it was business as usual for the Knights as tonight’s sweep was their sixth of the year.

“We came out flat against a good team,” said Coach Herber. “However, I loved the enthusiasm we brought in the third set. I believe if we started the match the way we ended, the result would have been different.”

Paige Eakright topped all attackers with a match-high 13 kills. Anna Lewis added eight while Lindsay Ingenito and Brea Metz posted five kills apiece on a combined 19 swings. As is typical, Jennings Tacosik orchestrated the offense by handing out 30 assists. She also collected nine digs.

Ariene Butler finished with 11 digs while Eakright also finished in double digits with ten. As a team, the Foresters totaled 40 kills to MU’s 38 and finished with just two service errors, a season low.

“We did an excellent job of executing our game plan,” said Herber. “We can compete with any team in our conference, and I am excited for what lies ahead for Forester volleyball.

“This team continues to improve before my eyes. If we allow the areas we need to work on motivate us and the things we do well to energize us, we will have a successful weekend ahead.”

The Foresters return to the friendly confines of Platt Area over the weekend to host Saint Francis on Friday and Spring Arbor on Saturday.