Julia Santee played a huge role Tuesday in International Falls’ edge-of-your-seat, 3-2 victory over Virginia at the Falls High Gym.
Just when it looked like the Broncos (4-4) were going to blow another lead — they are 2-2 in matches when they hold a 2-0 or 2-1 lead — Santee recorded four kills, a block and a timely tip in an impressive Game 5.
The scores were 25-19, 25-13, 25-27, 23-25, 15-12.
Santee had two kills and a nice tip to help the Broncos get out to a 4-2 lead in the decisive game, and finished the contest with three straight points — a kill, a block and a kill — to bring a roar from the homecoming week crowd.
“Julie had a great game,” Broncos head coach Erin Shikowsky said. “I think she’s feeling better physically and she’s gaining a little confidence. She’s playing like a senior.”
Virginia (6-7) stormed back in Games 3 and 4 behind Kristin Predovich, but Santee, Sydney Gordon and the Broncos never trailed in the final game.
“I’m excited we had a good overall team effort,” Shikowsky said.
Gordon had a team-high 19 kills and 55 digs, Santee recorded 15 kills, four ace blocks and 25 digs and Mackenzie Raboin finished with 47 digs and a team-high six ace serves. Reva Renollet had 39 set assists and Shawna Misner added 10 digs.
Predovich came alive after a slow start and sniped a match-high 25 kills to go with 14 digs, four ace serves and three blocks. Vicky Fossland had 15 kills, 10 digs and three blocks, Justine Prout recorded nine kills and three blocks and Kayli Oakman had 53 set assists.
