The #6 (2A) Dike-New Hartford volleyball team put an exclamation point on an already memorable senior night with a 3-1 upset win over #1 (2A) Denver on Tuesday, as aired on 99 The Wave. The Wolverines won by set scores of 25-13, 25-22, 27-29, 25-21.
The Wolverines, with the victory, clinched the NICL-Central title and ended the Cyclones 26 match win streak that dated back to August 31.
In Set 1, after tying the set at 8-8, DNH outscored Denver 17-5 to move ahead 1-0. In Set 2, Denver led the first half of the set, DNH rallied to tie it at 16-16. Following three more ties, including a 22-22 tie, the Wolverines scored the final three points to go up 2-0. In Set 3, it was point for point from start to finish, until the set was decided in extra points with Denver grabbing the late advantage to force a fourth set. In Set 4, DNH gained some breathing room in the middle points at 17-12, and didn’t give way in remaining points enroute to the upset.
DNH Head Coach Diane Harms on a special night for the seniors and the launchpad a win like this provides.
“It was a tremendous feeling tonight, especially with it being senior night. For our seniors, to come out with the NICL Central Championship again is a great way for them, to come out on their special night and to come away with this victory,” says Harms. “The seniors are very calm, very workmanship-like, they go out and do their job, they’re very steady and consistent. When they need to, they step up and make plays for us. Hopefully we get some confidence and understand the importance of trying to stick to what our game plan is. Then keep moving forward with that confidence, that energy, and the excitement of the postseason right around the corner.”
Keely Kauten had 10 kills and Izzy Norton had nine kills and two aces to lead the Wolverines.
Dike-New Hartford (15-11, 4-0 NICL-Central) will return to court Tuesday, October 8 as they host the NICL tournament.
Dike-New Hartford Junior Addy Joslin Postgame:
Dike-New Hartford Sophomore Kailyn Meester Postgame:
Dike-New Hartford Head Coach Diane Harms Postgame:
