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Lady Pates have strong volleyball opener

By
Joni Deelstra for the Star Herald

The Lady Pates got to test the waters for their upcoming volleyball season at the Adrian Tournament Saturday, Aug. 28, in Adrian, winning one and losing two.
They traveled to Viborg Tuesday, Aug. 31, and beat Viborg-Hurley 3-2, and they’ll face the Luverne Cardinals in Luverne Thursday.
The Patriots are returning seven seniors to the roster. Coach Dylan Gehrke said this season has felt more normal for himself and the players after dealing with the COVID-19 restrictions.
"Considering last year we didn't start the volleyball season until the middle of September, it was very nice to be able to have our fall camp this year,” Gehrke said.
“Two weeks of three-hour practices has helped coaches and players with preparedness."
 
Adrian Tournament
The Patriots played three tough teams in the Adrian Tournament, beating tournament winner Adrian/Ellsworth 2-0 and losing to Martin County West 2-1 and to Central Minnesota Christian 2-0.
Coach Gehrke's confidence in his team shows in his final statement.
“The girls showed on Saturday that we can compete with the best teams in our conference,” he said.
“But I continue to tell them we have to stay hungry and get better each and every day. … There is still a lot of room for improvement.”
 
H-BC 3, Viborg 2
 The Patriots traveled into South Dakota on Tuesday, Aug. 31, to play the Viborg-Hurley Cougars in what proved to be an evenly matched competition.
The Cougars started out strong, taking the first set 25-22, and they would also take the fourth set 25-15.
The Patriots fought back and took the second and third sets 25-19 and 25-18.
The fifth set went back and forth, but the Patriots would hold on to win 15-13.
Three senior girls were key in the victory.
Setter Tess VanMaanen had 27 set assists and 10 digs. 6'0 Sam Moser had seven kills and three blocks, and Tara Paulsen added four ace serves.
The Lady Pates will head to Luverne on Saturday to take on the Cardinals.

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