Eskomos sweep Rebels

A well rounded hitting attack served the Esko volleyball team well last Thursday as the Eskomos downed Moose Lake-Willow River 25-16, 25-9 and 25-15.

"All of our girls played well," said Esko coach Desi DeLeon. "I was able to get all my players in the game and that was a good experience for them."

The Eskomo offensive attack was efficient and effective led by setter Brenna Stark, who recorded 20 set assists in the game.

"Esko ran a good offense and they caught us off guard for both our defense and our serve receive," said Moose Lake-Willow River coach Kelsey Swanstrom. "Our passing really hurt us in the match. We started off strong going back and forth with them, but they capitalized when we lost our balance and we just couldn't get back in our groove."

Many of Stark's sets went to Zoie Johnson and Dea DeLeon, who each finished with eight kills.

"We have multiple hitters for Brenna to choose from which gives us a lot of options," Coach DeLeon said. "Brenna was able to get us 20 kills in two games because in the third game I played another setter and that is very good!"

Both teams are still adjusting to changes in personnel from a year ago.

For Esko, the move of Dea DeLeon and Zoie Johnson has been an effective one thus far.

"Both Dea and Zoie are still adjusting to a different position on the court this year," Coach DeLeon said. "Dea is adjusting after playing her whole volleyball career at the libero position and now to an outside hitting spot. Zoie has moved from middle hitter to the outside. There is a natural learning curve, but both are gaining experience as we go along and this was a good game for them. Thankfully we have versatile players who are willing to do whatever job the team needs them to do."

Sara Olson also had a good night for Esko with four ace serves.

The Rebels were led at the net by Maddy Prachar with six kills and three blocks by Ellen Anderson.

"Maddy and Ellen both came out strong at the net and even though we struggled to get ahead they stayed mentally strong and continue to capitalize when they could at the net," Coach Swanstrom said. "All three of Ellen's blocks came during game three. She did not give up on her team and continued to fight and Maddy had one of the most consistent games I've seen her play. She was focused and smart."

DonnaMae Smith led the Rebels offense with 11 set assists on the night.

"DonnaMae continuously works hard and shows tremendous hustle no matter what the score is," Swanstrom said. "She doe an excellent job of knowing who is on and who is not and who she should set to and that makes her a fabulous setter and makes her trustworthy by her teammates."

With the win, the Eskomos improved to 7-3 and the loss drops the Rebels to 5-4 on the season.