In a critical CIC matchup on Wednesday night, the Mississinewa Indians, led by the strong play of Erika Foy, Halle Planck, and Kirsten Lockwood, defeated Grant County rival Madison-Grant in four sets (25-17, 18-25, 25-18, 25-19).
The Indians got off to a fast start, jumping out to 13-6 lead in the first set on their way to a 25-17 triumph.
Madison-Grant won the second set 25-18 due in large part to a 7-1 run in which Mississinewa committed several hitting and serve-receiving errors.
The third set was much closer, as both teams battled back and forth looking to gain momentum. With the Indians leading 18-17, they embarked on a 7-1 run of their own to win 25-18. Planck was the driving force behind the run, recording two kills and two blocks.
It looked as if the contest would go five sets, as Madison-Grant jumped out to a 16-12 lead, but once again, the Indians went on a big 13-3 run to secure the victory and hand Madison-Grant their third loss of the season.
Planck led the Indians in kills with 17, while Lockwood had 14 and Foy added 11. Kenzie Skeens dished out 53 assists, while Emily Taylor led the Indians’ defense with 14 digs in the victory.
Against a formidable conference opponent, head Coach Hope Coons was incredibly pleased with how her whole team played.
“Our hitters did a great job [tonight,]” Coons said after the victory. “When we play [our style of volleyball,] we are really successful, so that really was the key for us.”
Coons was particularly impressed with the play of Lockwood, who consistently brings energy and an unwavering spirit into each and every game.
“She’s contagious and she’s fearless,” Coons said of Lockwood. “No matter what happened the point before, she is going to go right back at it – and she does that for us often. She’s a little spark plug.”
The Indians have gotten off to their best start in years, and Coons can’t help but be excited about the way her team has played here in the early stages of the season.
“They just bring the energy [in every game,] even in those away tournaments where they [play four matches,]” Coons said. “That toughness is something that they have showed up with this year, and its wonderful.”
