Alyssa Spry takes a knee as she goes down low to return a hard hit ball in a recent home game against Silver Bay. The senior libero has been a bright spot and a steadying influence for a young Viking team that is talented but is still finding its way as the girls’ learn to play together. Staff photo/Laurie Johnson
Cook County girls came out strong and beat Silver Bay 25-23 in the first game of their best of five games played on Friday, August 30 at home.
However, the Mariners prevailed, winning the next three games 25-20, 25-12, and 25-18.
With the loss the young Viking team’s record falls to 0-2.
Bianca Zimmer led the Vikings with 16 digs and 7 kills. Molly LaVigne finished with 14 set assists and Alyssa Spry 17 digs.
Cromwell downs Vikings
The always-tough Cromwell Cardinals came to Grand Marais on Tuesday, September 3 to take on the Vikings in the Pam Taylor gym.
Early on the Vikings made a game of it, going point-for-point with Cromwell through the first half of the first game. With the score knotted at 12, Cromwell went to their power game, feeding the ball to the big right arms of Shally and Taya Hakamaki, who both hit some monstrous spikes. Soon the score was Cromwell 21, Vikings 13.
The Vikings played gamely, but lost 25-17.
Game two was a tale of two Viking teams. Cromwell ran off eight straight points to lead a discombobulated Viking team 8-0.
Following a timeout called by Viking head coach Marlene Wester, the Vikings rallied.
Down 10-1, the Vikings ran off five straight points to make things interesting. Once again the Cardinals surged, opening up a 20-9 lead. But once again the Vikings outscored Cromwell two points to one until the score was 24-18.
The Cardinals would get that last point to take the game 25-18, but the Vikings made it an exciting game, scrambling for every ball and returning several hard-hit spikes as well as blocking some smashes at the net.
Early in game three it was obvious that some of the bounce left the Vikings’ feet, because they seemed to have no answer for Cromwell’s attack, falling 25-11, and losing 3-0 in the best of five game series.
Vikings fought hard
Despite the loss, a very young Viking team fought hard for every point. This will be a learning year for them, but they will win some games.
Alyssa Spry had a great day on the court; coming up with 23 digs, several that were spectacular. Bianca Zimmer also had a fine match, finishing with 15 digs and Sadie Wilson had 13 digs.
Shally Hakamaki led Cromwell with 10 kills and Taya Hakamaki had seven kills and seven set assists. Sasha Korpela also had five kills and eight set assists for the Cardinals.
The Vikings go on the road to play Moose Lake/Willow River on Sept. 5, and then travel to play South Ridge on September 12 before coming home to take on the Two Harbors Agates on September 19. That game will start at 6:30 p.m. Come out and cheer for your Vikings!
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