By Chris Bennett
Correspondent
Something seemingly clicked for the Elkhorn Area High School girls volleyball team Saturday in the Badger Invitational at Badger High School in Lake Geneva.
The Elks played Waterford at home Tuesday and at Wilmot Oct. 4 in Southern Lakes Conference matches.
The Elks lost 3-0 Sept. 22 in a non-conference match at Whitnall.
“We battled all day, and I was very pleased with the effort,” coach Justin Diderrich said of the Elks’ performance in Lake Geneva. “We played like we wanted to be there and win. It was a great team effort. I think I have finally found my strongest lineup.”
Elkhorn opened and closed the tournament with victories against Clinton. The Elks beat Clinton 25-16, 25-20 in the first match and won their final match 25-11, 25-12.
The Elks lost to Waupun in three sets in their second match. The Elks won the first match 25-17 before losing the second match 25-18 and the third match 25-9.
Williams Bay beat the Elks 25-19, 25-21 and Green Bay Preble beat the Elks 25-19, 25-21.
Adrienne Bain finished the invite with 65 assists. Caroline Terry tallied 75 hits and 25 kills.
The Elks played well early against Whitnall, but their momentum waned.
“We came out of the gate playing really well,” Diderrich said. “We had a difficult time getting a solid block up against their hits, and it showed itself in the second set.”
Diderrich said the Elks rebounded and played well in the third set.
“I moved some players around in order to maximize our production,” Diderrich said. “I am hoping these moves will translate to some success in the future.”
The Elks lost to Waukesha North, Grafton, Slinger and Arrowhead in two sets Sept. 17 in the Slinger Invitational at Slinger High School..
“We played well against Arrowhead and Slinger,” Diderrich said. “Once again, we battled hard, but did not come away with any wins.”
The Elks lost to Badger in three sets Sept. 13 in a SLC match at Badger. Badger won 25-10, 25-7, 25-19.
“I used three different lineups in this match,” Diderrich said. “I am trying to find a lineup that has the best intensity mixed with continuity.
“It is a process that we are continuing to work on. I am hoping that I am able to find a consistent lineup in the near future.”
Bain finished with 18 digs and 10 assists against Badger. Julia Heck tallied three kills.
