AINSWORTH — The Wolfpack capped conference tournament week with a four-set victory over Boyd County Saturday evening.
Playing on the final day of the Niobrara Valley Conference Tournament, EPPJ defeated Boyd County 25-10, 14-25, 25-12 and 25-17, marking the second time this season they defeated the Lady Spartans.
EPPJ’s top three front row players, Braelyn Martinsen, Jael Lammers and Mady Kurpgeweit, played their best match of the season.
The trio combined for 39 kills to help guide the team to their 15th victory of the season.
Splitting the first two sets, the Wolfpack dominated the final two sets.
One key to the team’s success on this day was the team’s ability to disrupt the Lady Spartans’ attack.
EPPJ had six blocks in the match, led by sophomore Lillian Moser with three, Kurpgeweit, Lammers and Tenley Schindler each had one.
Elizabeth Moser led the team in ace serves (2) and set assists (29). Sophia Burke had 14 set assists.
Martinsen and Gentry Zwingman tied for the team high in digs (19) and serve receive (22).
Tuesday match
After being upset in the first round, EPPJ came out the next night to make amends. The Wolfpack, playing at home, swept Niobrara-Verdigre 25-19, 25-10 and 25-13. It wasn’t that close.
At one point in the match, EPPJ scored eight consecutive points. Burke had two ace serves, Kurpgeweit had two kills. L. Moser had one kill and teamed up with Sydney Niewohner for a stuff block.
Martinsen led Wolfpack hitters with 10 kills, Kurpgeweit added nine. Burke and E. Moser combined for 19 set assists.
L. Moser finished with six solo blocks.
From the service line, Burke had four ace serves.
First round
The Wolfpack opened tournament play Monday night at St. Mary’s High School.
The #4 seed, EPPJ faced #5 seed Ainsworth.
The Bulldogs came ready to play and dominated the first set, winning 25-18.
EPPJ fought back to win the next two sets and appeared ready to finish the match off in the fourth set.
But, the Bulldogs had other ideas and pulled away late to win and force a fifth set.
….see more at this week’s Elgin Review.
