Mound Westonka volleyball had an exciting week, as they won a game and lost a game in some intense play.

Westonka was on the road September 13 for a game in Dassel-Cokato. If you are not familiar with volleyball, you need to know that the teams play the best of five sets, each ending at 25 points; however, you must win by two. The White Hawks had a slow start in the first set and trailed by eight points most of the game, but they never gave up! After a significant amount of back and forth, the Hawks would take the first set 30-28. 

With all the adrenaline in the gym from an “overtime” win, both teams came out fighting. The White Hawks would trail by five points early in the game, but it would be neck-and-neck by the middle of the set. It would again go into “overtime” before the White Hawks would take the set 31 to 29. 

The third set was tight right from the beginning, but a huge save by junior defensive specialist Kohral Bomar would turn the tide for the White Hawks to win 25-19. Ninth grader Avery Pearson and junior Kendal Richie both served 100 percent with a combined 21 serves to keep the Chargers engaged. 

The offense was led by ninth grader Meaghan Kreiser with 10 kills, and strong support from ninth grader Bridget Budzius, junior Maquinna Peglow and sophomore Taryn Peglow for a combined 23 kills. Volleyball is not won by offense alone. Taryn Peglow and senior Chase Lawrence would block five attempted kills from the Chargers.

Thursday would have the White Hawks on their home court hosting the Delano Tigers. Though the White Hawks would lose the game 1-3, it is the first time in recent memory the Hawks would go to four sets with Delano. The first set started off slow for the White Hawks, and they were unable to recover from a nine-point deficit.

The second set would be close right from the start, and would force Delano to take a time out after the White Hawks took the lead 10-9 with a run of aces and kills. Westonka was unable to hold the lead and would fall 18-25 in the second set. 

The White Hawks would stay within two points the entire third set and would win 25-22 to force a fourth. The Hawks were unable to keep the momentum and would fall in the fourth 19-25. Several players set new personal records, including sophomore Lori Weltzin, who would produce 14 serves at 100 percent. Budzius had 18 digs, nine kills and five aces. Ninth grader Maria Neumann was a standout in the front row with six kills and three blocks.

White Hawks Volleyball Schedule (Games at 7 p.m.)  

9/20:  Away in Rockford

9/22:  Home:  Homecoming (Youth Night) Hutchinson

9/27:  Home-Patrick Henry

9/29:  Away Holy Family

10/3:  Home:  Orono

10/6:  Away Southwest Christian

10/10:  Away Richfield

10/17:  Home Jordan

10/18:  Away Minneapolis South