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EDGERTON — Russell-Tyler-Ruthton swept Red Rock Conference foe Southwest Minnesota Christian, 25-18, 25-10, 25-11 on Thursday, Sept. 25.
“The team is focused, and on a mission,” RTR head coach Daynica Brown said, “especially in terms of growth.”
Brown was pleased with the Knights’ service prowess — being both precise and aggressive with several aces.
Both Brezlyn Buchert and Sara Thooft served up two aces. Paisley Thooft and Jaida Fricke chipped in with one ace serve each.
Russell-Tyler-Ruthton’s Brynn Borresen (7) attempts to put up a block while Southwest Minnesota Christian’s Tyler Kooiker (8) hits during a Red Rock Conference match in Edgerton on Thursday, Sept. 25. The Class A state-ranked Knights swept the Eagles. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
The Minnesota Volleyball Coaches Association Class A fourth-ranked Knights (16-5) continue making statistical gains, and they continue developing front-row attacking depth. Five players provided six kills or more.
“It allows for a lot of versatility on our side,” Brown said, “which creates more chaos for the opponents from open holes in the blocks to defense in wrong positions.”
Russell-Tyler-Ruthton’s Ava Karbo (9) and Paisley Thooft (6) put up a block on Southwest Minnesota Christian’s Gracelyn Fick (5). (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
Brown also explained it allows for RTR to earn its points, rather than rely on the mistakes of their opponents.
Both Sara Thooft and Paisley Thooft had 14 kills while Brynn Borresen added eight and Dru Ellefson and Ava Karbo six each. Ellefson also had two solo ace blocks, impressive for a player 5-foot-7 in stature.
Buchert and Ellefson joined forces for 46 of the Knights’ 48 assists.
Russell-Tyler Ruthton’s Dru Ellefson (2) was one of several strong servers for the Knights in a Red Rock Conference sweep over Southwest Minnesota Christian on Sept. 25. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
Libero Laken Baartman continues to shine in her role with 21 digs while Buchert and Ellefson added six and five digs, respectively.
Alyvia Brands paced the Eagles (5-12) serving, going 7-of-8 behind the line.
Southwest Minnesota Christian’s Gracelyn Fick (5) reacts with Eagle teammates after winning a point during this Red Rock Conference match on Sept. 25. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
Leah Veldkamp distributed nine assists and put up two solo ace blocks. Tylee Kooiker powered the attack with eight kills. Gracelyn Fick and Danika Nordby both recorded two solo ace blocks as well.
The Knights played in the Jimmu John’s Classic tournament at Marshall last weekend.