Cardinal’s volleyball team opened the 2017 postseason with a dominating 3-0 sweep of No. 6 LaBrae in a Division III sectional championship game at Berkshire High School on Saturday.
The third-seeded Huskies won 25-9, 25-8, 25-15.
“We played really well today as a team,” said Cardinal coach Karisca Chambers. “Everyone stepped up, the communication was strong, and the girls were having fun. That’s exactly what we need going into this postseason.”
Megan Zeigler recorded 20 digs and 25 service receptions in the win. Hanna Traggiai led the Huskies with 28 assists and also recorded a pair of aces and Kaitlyn Shantery posted a team-high 11 kills.
“I was very focused on the service line,” Klepper said. “I was hitting the same spot over and over again, which was right on the 5-6 seam, and it was very effective. In the second set, I had nine aces in the one time I went back to serve. I am very happy with that.”Kaylee Klepperdominated from the service line as she recorded 13 aces. She also contributed with eight kills and four digs.“Hanna Traggiai did a nice job of spreading the ball around and the hitters played aggressive and smart,” Chambers said. “Kait Shantery did a nice job on the outside. She’s been middle all season, so seeing her adjust and play confident was exactly what we needed. Megan Zeigler played libero, her old position for the last three years, and she was all over the back row. She has the ability to read the ball, get to the ball, and get a perfect pass to our setters. The girls are focused and pushing to finish this season strong and I have complete confidence that we will do so.”
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With the win, the Huskies set up a rematch with Grand Valley, who earned the district’s second seed this season.
Last fall, Grand Valley, then seeded sixth, upset the second-seeded Huskies in five sets.
“I am super excited and fired up for our game versus Grand Valley on Wednesday,” Klepper said. “They upset us in our first game of districts last year, so it will be a very competitive match. It is slightly intimidating that they beat us earlier in the season, but I think most of the team can agree going into our next game that we are ready to bounce back, and we are confident in how much we have grown and how far we have come this season. We all want the next win very badly, and I think that will show on the court next week.”
Grand Valley edged the Huskies, 2-1, in a tournament earlier this season.
