VOLLEYBALL

In addition to enjoying Saturday afternoon’s 3-1 win over Spring Arbor in Platt Arena, the HU volleyball team also had the honor of celebrating one of their own in junior Jennings Tacosik.

The 5-9 setter reached a significant milestone in her Forester career by eclipsing 2,000 assists. The Albion native needed just nine assists entering today’s contest and reached the mark on the Foresters’ 22nd point of the first set.

“Jennings does an incredible job running our offense,” said Coach Herber. “In addition to her 2,000 career assists, she has rounded out her game by being an offensive weapon at the net, a consistent block and a defensive threat.”

It proved the highlight of the set as the final score tipped in favor of the visitors but Herber and crew quickly righted their wrong by winning the next three to claim their ninth W of the season, the third in league play. It was another gritty bounce back for Huntington as they took control of the match after that aside from an early deficit in the second set and then again in the fourth.

“In set four, we maintained our vocal energy and enthusiasm even in the midst of Spring Arbor going on a run,” noted Herber. “That’s what it takes to be successful in this league. Even if we make a mistake or the other team goes on a run, we have to maintain our energy to help pull us through the valley and carry us to the finish line.”

Tacosik finished the day with a match-high 38 assists to go along with seven kills on eight swings, six digs and three aces.

Paige Eakright took top honors offensively with a match-best 15 kills. Anna Lewis was active on both sides of the net to finish with nine kills and three blocks, two of which were solos.

Lindsay Ingenito posted eight kills in the middle spot in addition to claiming a block. The Foresters outhit the Cougars 49-37 while SAU enjoyed the advantage in blocks 12-7.

Ariene Butler was all over the backline to track down a match-high 24 digs. It’s the seventh time this year the junior libero has logged 20+ digs in a match.

“It is hard for me to even put into words what Ariene does for this team,” said Herber. “She is an incredible athlete, talented player and one of our most influential leaders on and off the floor. Not only does she pick up balls that seem impossible, she makes it look easy.”

The Foresters (9-8, 3-4) are back at it on Friday with a home match against Grace at 7:00 p.m.