After two lackluster seasons, Voyageurs show promise in 3-1 win over Northland
Last year’s team wouldn’t have won a match like this.
You can check off the 2007 team, as well.
Rainy River Community College’s 3-1 victory Wednesday over Northland in the home opener gives the Voyageurs as many victories as last year’s squad and puts them just two behind the 2007 team.
After two well below-average seasons — 5-20 in ’07 and 3-19 in ’08 — the Voyageurs look to be slipping out of a funk.
“We have so much more chemistry this year with the talent we have. We communicate really well.” said sophomore captain Samantha Alberts, who went through last year’s struggles.
Brittany Finnson’s kill to close Game 4 ignited an enthusiastic celebration. A celebration that would’ve never happened without three straight comebacks.
“I didn’t want to go to five sets, so I’m really glad I finished it,” Finnson said.
The finally tally was eventually 21-25, 25-21, 26-24, 25-22, but it could’ve easily gone in the other direction.
The Pioneers (4-3, 1-2 Northern Division), who defeated RRCC earlier in the year at the Fergus Falls Tournament, led 14-11 in Game 2, 20-13 in Game 3 and 12-5 in Game 4.
However, the Voyageurs’ resilience and power at the net proved to be the difference.
“I was pretty upset,” Finnson said about the deficits. “I thought we could’ve played better, but I’m really proud of the girls for coming back.”
Cally Tinkess tallied a game-high 16 kills for RRCC, while Finnson added 11 kills and a team-high 19 digs. Alberts posted seven kills and 12 digs and Danika Stelton, playing in front of familiar hometown fans, dished out 36 set assists. Carly Lake finished with seven blocks.
“It was definitely intense, and it’s so hot in this gym, it definitely got the girls going,” Finnson said.
Northland, with three players 5-feet-11 or taller, couldn’t find a way to close out the Voyageurs, despite 12 kills from Amanda Christianson and eight kills apiece from Brittany Wiseth and Whitney Langen. Jessica Vanderplaats had 19 set assists and four aces and Chelsea Davidson posted 10 set assists and three aces.
The Voyageurs (3-3, 2-0) return to action this weekend with a big Northern Division game Friday at Itasca. They will stick around and play Gogebic on Friday night before participating Saturday in the Itasca Tournament.
“I don’t care who gets the last point, I don’t care who messes up,” Alberts said. “I just care about working as a team and accomplishing our goals. ... And the more we play together the better we get.”
