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Durand splits games with Rockford Christian, Pearl City
By Trenten Scheidegger
DURAND ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION FACEBOOK PHOTO The Gazette
The Pec volleyball ladies picked up a two-set victory over Pearl City on Sept. 24; 25-20 and 25-14.
The Durand Bulldogs continued their 2024 volleyball season with a pair of matchups last week. On Sept. 23, the Bulldogs played host to the Rockford Christian Royal Lions. They returned home to play host to the Pearl City Wolves on the very next day.
Durand entered the week with an overall record of 14-3. They were riding a four-game winning streak, and they had won six consecutive sets. Rockford Christian would prove to be quite the challenge for the Bulldogs, however. The Lions came into the match holding a 15-3-1 overall record. They were fresh off a 2-0 sweep of the North Boone Vikings.
Despite Durand riding the hot streak, it was the Lions who came out with a quick start. The ladies watched Rockford Christian run away with a 25-18 victory in the opening set. The Bulldogs began to find their groove in the second set. Eventually, they evened the series, winning the set by the same score of 25-18.
With the series even at 1-1, things were set up for an exciting finish. Neither team disappointed there as the third and final set came down to the wire. In the end, it was Rockford Christian who came out on top with a 27-25 victory.
“This was a tough game tonight. We played extremely well, but had a few things that we need to adjust,” Durand’s head coach Molly Kelsey said after the loss. “Everyone did a great job playing smart offense and defense. Our hitters did so well hitting around blocks. Games like these will make us stronger and give us insight on how to improve moving forward.”
Lola Robertson found plenty of success as she racked up 13 kills on the night. Emily Quine, Cailyn Lane, and Amber Quine each finished with three kills behind Robertson. Emily also led the team in digs with 14. Mary Jane Norman led the team in assists with 12. Addyson King added nine assists of her own.
Durand didn’t have to wait long for a chance at redemption. With the Pearl City Wolves coming to town less than 24 hours later, the Bulldogs turned their eyes towards a new challenge. The Wolves carried a record of 13-8-2 ahead of their match against Durand.
The Bulldogs didn’t fall victim to a slow start this time around. After taking the first set by a score of 25-20, Durand made quick work of the Wolves in set two. The Bulldogs took the set 25-14 to complete the two-set sweep.
Robertson continued to dominate as she put up 12 kills in just two sets played. Emily finished the day with seven kills, and Lane added five. Maddy Moore led the team in digs with 10. King posted a team-leading 12 assists, but Norman was right behind her with 11.
After the victory, Durand improved their overall record to 15-4 on the year. They are also 4-1 in a highly competitive NUIC. The Bulldogs have another big conference matchup against one of the top NUIC teams in the Pecatonica Indians scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 3, in Durand on home court.
