During the last three weeks, the Lady Raiders won four of seven games.
First up was a 30-19, 30-26 and 30-16 win over Dana College on Oct. 11. Statistical leaders were sophomore Maggie Frieborg with 15 kills, junior Stacy Friedrichsen had 17 assists and junior Carli Blom went 18/19 serving.
The next win was against Mount Marty, going 30-21, 22-30, 30-25 and 30-24 on Oct. 14. Statistical leaders were junior Mikyla Hardersen with 23 assists, junior Taylor Cook went 12/12 serving, Frieborg had 12 blocks and senior Kelli Vermeet had 25 digs.
Finishing out the three game winning streak was a win over Briar Cliff on Oct. 18. Hardersen went 15/15 serving, Friedrichsen had 23 assists and Blom had 16 kills to lead the team.
Despite the 20/20 serving by Friedrichsen and 12/12 serving by Blom the Raiders were unable to overcome Dordt on Oct. 21. Scoring for this game was 19-30, 21-30 and32-34.
Last weekend they traveled to Crete, Neb., to play Doane College on Friday and Hastings, Neb., to take Hastings College Saturday night. The Raiders fell short in both games.
“The Doane game didn’t look too good, but I think we came out more prepared to play at the Hastings game even though we still didn’t reach our ability and we still couldn’t pull it off,” said Stacy Friedrichsen.
Scoring for the Doane game was 19-30, 21-30 and 19-30. Vermeer led with 23 digs, Friedrichsen served 13/13 and had 14 assists.
It was a hard fought four games at Hastings. Scoring was 18-30, 24-30, 30-20, and 28-30. In that game, Maggie Freiborg put down 21 kills, and Mikyla Hardersen recorded 2 aces.
On Tuesday the raiders took on Dakota Wesleyan at home and broke the three game losing streak. The game went 30-16, 28-30, 30-16, 23-30 and 15-13. Standouts for the game were Freiborg with 21 kills and Blom with 17. Vermeer got to 21 digs, and Cook put back 3 blocks.
The Lady Raiders are wrapping up their season with 3 home games in regular season play.
“This season has been a challenge, but a welcomed challenge. There have been some frustrations on the team, but we are dealing with them and coming together to continue to press on,” stated Vermeer.
As for the rest of the season she says “It’s exciting. Post season is like a whole new start, and we are ready to get off on the right foot. We just have to get through these last season games.” The Lady Raiders record is 18-7 overall and 8-5 in the GPAC.
The next game is tonight against. Nebraska Wesleyan at 6:00/7:30p.m. in the Bultman Center.
“The end of the season is going to be a test for us. I am confident in a successful last few games. We just need to come together as a team with one common goal…to play like we know we can and do all the little things right,”said junior Friedrichsen.
