By Chris Bennett
Sports correspondent
Perhaps the Elkhorn Area High School girls volleyball team’s rough day Sept. 23 at the Badger Invitational was made easier by knowing they beat a hated rival Sept. 19 in a Southern Lakes Conference dual meet.
Elkhorn finished eighth Sept. 23 at the Badger Invitational after beating Delavan-Darien Sept. 19 in a SLC dual meet at Delavan.
The Elks played Tuesday at home against Badger and play today at Union Grove in SLC dual meets.
“We played hard,” coach Justin Diderrich said of the Elks’ performance in the Badger Invitational. “The ball just didn’t bounce our way.”
The Elks beat Clinton 25-20, 25-12 in their first dual meet for their only victory of the day. Sarah Rychalk tallied 12 digs and Kate Passler finished with six kills.
The Elks lost 22-17, 25-22 to Janesville Craig and 28-26, 25-12 to Jefferson. Elkhorn lost 25-23, 29-27 to Green Bay Preble, and lost in three sets to Clinton in the seventh-place match.
Against the Comets, the Elks won the first set 25-20 before losing the second set 25-22. Elkhorn won the third set 28-26 and the fourth set 25-16.
Adrienne Bain finished with 30 assists and Rychalk tallied 26 digs.
“I am extremely proud of the girls,” Diderrich said. “They never gave up, and pushed themselves to the victory in a hostile environment. The growth that this team is showing is what every coach wants in a season. Every girl contributed to this victory.”
