By Michael Rupp
MMCRU traveled to Paullina last Thursday to face the Wolvernies of South O’Brien. The Royals were looking for a rebound win after going on a 5 game losing streak. Senior Emily Dreckman told us that the team as a whole needed to focus on the little things.
¨The plan going into the game was to work on doing the little things right, such as really focusing on serve receive and high energy.¨
The Royals struggled to get into rhythm early, but they kept battling. South O’Brien won the first set 23-25. South O’Brien came out with some fire in the second set. After building a 15-8 lead, it looked like the Wolverines would take an early 2-0 lead, but the Royals led by Seniors Emily Dreckman and Taylor Harpenau managed to come back from 7 points behind. With a loud traveling fan base behind them, the Royals kept up their energy.
¨I think the first set helped us focus more, and we came out with more energy,¨ said Dreckman. The Royals won the 2nd set 26-24.
South O’Brien kept pace with the Royals the rest of the night, but were not able to control a lead. Dreckman continued to dominate the front row, totaling 27 kills on the night. Seniors Harpenau and Letsche combined for 47 assists, and Junior Kora Alesch had 24 digs. The Royals won the 3rd set 25-23 and the 4th 25-20.
Going forward, the Royals need to keep up their energy. ¨We really need to focus on the little things,¨ says Dreckman. ¨We need to serve receive well, and most importantly, have fun.¨
The Royals are right in the middle of the War Eagle Conference, and will need to continue winning their last few games if they want to move up in the rankings.