After overcoming an eight-point deficit in the opening game to win by two, International Falls’ volleyball team swept Thursday night’s home match against Eveleth-Gilbert, 35-33, 25-14, 25-21.
“The first game was fun — it was pretty intense,” said Broncos head coach Erin Shikowsky. “What I liked is that we maintained our composure and we just battled for each point and we came out on top.”
Falls tied the opening game at 24-24 to force a two-point margin of victory beyond 25 points.
Fans on hand from the Falls and Eveleth-Gilbert had plenty to cheer about as both teams pulled in front by a point as the lead changed hands before the Broncos won by two.
Shikowsky said the first game was one of the highest-scoring she’s experienced as a head coach to be decided beyond 25 points.
“Anytime you can win a tight game like that, it’s fun,” she said.
Though the Falls’ margin of victory was larger in the next two games, Shikowsky said the team could play better.
“(Eveleth-Gilbert is) scrappy — they played good defense,” she said. “I thought that we could have been a little tougher, and we had some runs of errors.”
The Broncos’ statistical leaders included: Shawna Misner, 22 digs; Reva Renollet, 24 set assists, seven digs; Tessa Walls, 17 kills, two ace blocks; Hailey Fentem, eight kills.
Falls’ next match is at home Monday against Hibbing.
