Ellie Smith had it going early and often offensively on Thursday night.
The Campbellsport sophomore had a match-high 13 kills to lead the Cougars to a 25-19, 25-13, 25-22 road sweep of Flyway foe Winnebago Lutheran.
"When things are going good, everyone gets so excited," Smith said. "We just push each other to be the best."
Coach Jessica Jensen said that Smith improved a lot during the offseason and the work is starting to become evident in matches.
"She's come in with confidence and 100 percent effort," Jensen said. "When she gets that ball, she puts it down."
Smith is one of five Campbellsport (5-2 overall, 2-0 in Flyway) sophomores. That group combined for 39 kills. Brielee Theisen had 11.
The Cougars were able to play in system much of the match because of their service receive and back row passing. Senior libero Natalie Sippel led the way with 20 digs and three assists.
Jensen said she has been thrilled with how often the team has passed well, she's also happy with how it deals with out of system situations.
"Our back row has been phenomenal," coach Jessica Jensen said. "Our serve receive, and digs have been astronomical in the stats.
"We've also had some really good out of system plays. We've been working on it so that even when we don't have that perfect pass, we want to keep being aggressive on the court."
Sophomore Emma Muraski showed her versatility with both her offensive and passing ability, for she had nine kills and six assists. She sets for the Cougars when senior Carleigh Ward is not on the floor. Ward added 23 assists.
Campbellsport had six players record at least three kills. It also has a published roster of 17 players, which is more than most teams carry.
Jensen said that depth not only helps on the court, but it also leads to intense practices that help prepare the team for tight matches.
"We have that many high-quality, varsity caliber players," Jensen said. "They work hard at practice. Being able to use those weapons whenever we need and being able to put any of those players in knowing they are going to excel, it's great for me as a coach."
Smith said practices can be tough, but now that the team has found a winning streak, the players realize how beneficial the competition has been.
"We fight so hard for where we are," Smith said. "It's just exciting to see how far we've gone."
WLA (1-6, 0-2) finally got some momentum in the third set when the setters were able to find junior middle Jenna Petrowitz more consistently. She had four kills and two blocks, nearly all coming in the final set.
PHOTO GALLERY: Campbellsport at WLA volleyball - 9/12/2024
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