Packed student section, near upset of top seed make this Section 7AA contest one to remember in International Falls
“Intense” isn’t a strong enough word to describe Friday’s Section 7AA thriller between Hermantown and International Falls in Esko.
The word was used over and over in postgame comments, but it only describes part of the Hawks’ come-from-behind 3-2 win against the Broncos, which held a 2-0 lead playing inspired volleyball in front of a huge student section.
“It was really intense. It was just a great game overall for both teams,” said Broncos senior Mackenzie Raboin, who finished with 23 digs.
Top-seeded Hermantown (18-9) rebounded from 25-23 and 25-16 losses to force a fifth game with 25-19, 25-22 victories. The Broncos held a 14-12 advantage in Game 5 but lost a heartbreaker, 16-14.
“I felt we were dominating the play the first couple games,” Raboin said. “The third game, we were still working just as hard but it wasn’t working as well. Couldn’t put it together. And the scores of the other games were close too. They just finished them.”
Everything the Broncos experienced this season prepared them for this near historic upset, Broncos head coach Erin Shikowsky said.
“To lose was so sad and disappointing, but to close our season with such a memorable game and represent our school with such pride is what we strive for,” she said. “... And our fans. Our fans were absolutely energetic and inspiring. All year we’ve had great student and fan support, but this was above and beyond.”
Over 50 students rallied to fill a fan bus on short notice, according to two Bronco coaches, and when the funds fell a little short, Super One Foods covered the difference.
“The fans and team together were an unbelievable sight,” Shikowsky said. “One I know many of us will never forget.”
Sydney Gordon led the fifth-seeded Broncos (12-13) with a match-high 20 kills, 28 digs and six ace serves, while Julia Santee chipped in with 16 kills and 10 digs. Reva Renollet made 47 set assists and had nine digs.
“It was just intense the whole time,” Raboin said.
Hermantown, which plays tonight against Cloquet at the University of Minnesota Duluth, got 19 kills from Stephanie Kallberg and 14 kills apiece from Mary Neumann and Katie Thun. Andrea Enockson finished with 52 set assists and Nicole Kucza made five blocks.
“I think we made a lot of progress, especially when playoffs started,” Raboin said. “And the crowds this year were awesome. Really brought back the Bronco spirit.”
