Huskies handle Joseph in sweep

HOUSE CLEANING: Chantelle Malone (right) and the Huskies swept visiting Joseph Thursday. Observer file photo

ELGIN

The Huskies jumped out to lead all three games, and never trailed at any point during the match.

“We played really well tonight,” Elgin head coach Twila Ivins said. “Our serving was better than it has been all season, including last weekend.”

The first match was never really close, with the Huskies jumping out to an 8-1 lead. Game two was a different story.

After leading the entire match, including 18-11 at one point, the Eagles made a comeback to tie the game at 21.

It was too little too late however, as Elgin would score four out of the next five points to win 25-22.

“We lost a little bit of focus and intensity on defense in the second match,” Ivins said. “I think that is our biggest concern as a team, keeping our heads in the game and not losing that competitive edge.”

The Huskies found that edge in the third game, as they controlled the match from start to finish, leading the whole way in a 19-point victory.

“We really put it all together in the last game. Unlike game two we stayed focused on defense and didn’t let them make any sort of a comeback,” Ivins said.

Karly Knapp was phenomenal in the third game, scoring 12-straight points at one point. Knapp finished the game with eight digs. Tara Ludwig had seven blocks and 13 kills on the night, while Beija Robbins had a team-high 15 digs.

Elgin only had three missed serves for the match and didn’t even get through the lineup in the third game.

“It was a good night for our team,” Ivins said. “This is such a good group of girls and they work so well together, it makes it easy for me as the coach.”

The Huskies will try to keep the good vibes rolling when they go to the Weston-McEwen tournament this weekend.

“It will be a good opportunity for us to prepare for league play because a lot of teams from our conference will be there,” Ivins said of the upcoming weekend.

Elgin will host Enterprise Sept. 24 at 6 p.m. to start Blue Mountain Conference play.