Squad picks up another big conference win

The North Branch volleyball squad has struggled at times, but always come through with key victories when it really needed them.
Last week was no exception, as the Vikings defeated Rum River Conference foe Big Lake in four games for its fourth conference win of the season.
North Branch came out and battled to a 27-25 win in the first game, fell 21-25 in the second game and took the third and fourth games for the win, 25-13, 27-25.
ìI expected the match to be close and I am proud of how the players handled the pressure,î Head Coach Jim Van Eerden said. ìOur defensive coverage is getting better and our serving percentage continues to be at or above 90 percent.î
In the match, Rachel Brown led with 17 kills, followed by Kaity Vichorek and Jenny Anderson with 14 apiece. Anderson also added 7 blocks in the outing. Abby Fairbanks had a season-high 35 set assists.
ìIt is very pleasing to see the attitude the team is taking defensively,î Van Eerden said. ìThe players are working hard and getting to balls that previously would have dropped in for points. They are moving their feet and anticipating better than earlier in the season.î
The Vikings then went on to take third place in the Duluth East Invitational Saturday, Sept. 27.
North Branch tied Rosemount in its first match, with scores of 18-25, 25-16, then went on to tie Andover 25-16, 22-25.
They went on to lose to Washburn 23-25, 15-25 before a win over Grand Rapids in three games, 23-25, 25-14 and 15-7 for third place.
Washburn defeated Anoka for the championship in the tourney.
Van Eerden said it was tough to find consistency in the dayís four matches.
ìWe had a very hard time playing consistently good volleyball today,î he said. ìThere were times in every match when the team played very well, and there were other times when we played very poorly.î
ìEvery player knows they need to keep improving during the second half of the season.î
North Branchís record currently stands at 10-5-2 overall and 4-1 in the conference. This week, the team faced Milaca in a home game Tuesday and travels to the tough Lakeville tournament this weekend, Oct. 3 and 4.

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