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MARSHALL — The Russell-Tyler-Ruthton volleyball team capped a historic week by winning the Jimmy John’s Classic championship.
But, Central Minnesota Christian made the Class A fourth-ranked Knights work for it.
In the end, RTR downed CMCS in three tough sets by scores of 25-19, 22-25, 15-12 at Marshall High School during a week that saw head coach Daynica Brown surpass the 200-win mark. The Knights improved to 22-5 overall.
Russell-Tyler-Ruthton head volleyball coach Daynica Brown smiles during the Jimmy John’s Classic in Marshall Saturday, Oct. 4. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
“It was a great win, and to go 5-0 (in the tournament) is very impressive,” Brown noted. “We enjoyed playing CMCS in the championship. They were very quick and scrappy. Typically, a lot of teams speak of our defense, and how we go after everything. Playing a team like this toward the end of the season allows you to see your strengths, and areas we need to work.”
There were plenty of highlights during the five-match stretch at the Jimmy John’s Classic, and Brown mentioned several.
Senior middle blocker Ava Karbo continues being a wall at the net — with solo ace stuffs and stout hitting efficiency.
Senior Brezlyn Buchert has stepped up in terms of precision sets, and figuring out the best possible options for the front-row hitters. She also excelled in service reception.
Sophomore Jaida Fricke shined in her role as a serving specialist.
“I thought she did a fabulous job serving and having some great serve runs,” Brown said. “She gave us some great sparks of energy to the team when we really needed it.”
In the conquest over CMCS (18-6), the third set was fraught with drama.
Dru Ellefson had an impressive roll shot to deadlock the score at 12-all, forcing the Bluejays to use their final timeout.
Dru Ellefson (2) and her teammates celebrate a point during the Jimmy John’s Tournament in Marshall on Saturday, Oct. 4. Ellefson scored two key points with free balls to beat Central Minnesota Christian School. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
However, RTR pushed through to the end on a Paisley Thooft kill, another Ellefson dink at the net and a CMCS attack error on match point.
CMCS took the second set thanks to a strong serving run from Aurora Rosen and Karbo was called for a rare net violation. The Knights rolled to an early advantage in the opening set.
Overall, Karbo and Thooft joined forces for 19 kills and eight solo ace blocks. Brynn Borresen chipped in with five kills.
Russell-Tyler-Ruthton’s Paisley Thooft attempts to tip the ball over a Central Minnesota Christian School double block attempt. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
Buchert and Ellefson had 24 of the Knights’ 27 assists.
Libero Laken Baartman performed her role admirably with 18 digs while Makenna Hess and Ellefson both scooped up eight. Sara Thooft chipped in with six.
Russell-Tyler-Ruthton’s Sara Thooft (12) leaps for a kill during the Jimmy John’s Classic championship match versus Central Minnesota Christian School on Saturday, Oct. 4. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
Matches were played to three sets regardless; tournament officials had to shuffle the deck after one team dropped out.
Saturday, RTR dispatched Renville County West, 25-12, 25-18, and then topped a respectable Wabasso side, 27-25, 25-20.
Brown’s milestone
As for attaining her milestone victory over Murray County Central (25-21, 25-16, 25-16) on Tuesday, Sept. 30, Brown showed gratitude to everyone — assistant coaches, players, parents and the communities that make up RTR.
“To be able to achieve it in less than four years is very impressive, but it speaks volumes about the teams I currently have and have had,” Brown said. “They bought into the system and the program. These athletes have worked extremely hard.”
The Knights have just two regular-season matches left: at Red Rock Central on Tuesday, Oct. 7 and home for Heron Lake-Okabena-Fulda Monday, Oct. 13 (Senior Night).