The season ended Friday in Virginia for International Falls’ volleyball team when the Broncos lost their Section 7AA quarterfinal match in three straight games to Hermantown, 20-25, 19-25, 15-25.
“We played tough, but as individuals we needed to be one step better all around, in order to be a team that could beat a No. 1 seed like Hermantown,” said Falls head coach Erin Shikowsky. “We made a lot of great plays defensively and offensively, and we battled through some long volleys, but we didn’t always win those long volleys.”
The Hawks, seeded No. 1 in their Subsection, improved their season match record to 26-2 and advanced to today’s semifinal against Cloquet at Duluth Denfeld. The No. 7-seeded Falls ended the year at 13-12 overall.
“We ended the season with a winning record — it was close — but winning nonetheless,” Shikowsky said. “With seven seniors — some with very key roles — graduating, we will have some big shoes to fill next year.”
Broncos senior Reva Renollet had 28 set assists and four digs. Other statistical leaders for the Falls included: sophomore Tessa Walls, 10 kills, four digs; junior Hailey Fentem, eight kills, one ace block; and senior Sara Christianson, five kills and 15 digs.
Shikowsky said the future of Falls’ volleyball program will involve “lots of hard work to be done.”
“We have a lot of talent coming through at the lower levels, so I’m very excited for what’s to come,” she said.
