ESCANABA — A well-balanced team performance led the Kearney-Nadeau High School volleyball team to a four-set victory over Burke River Harris High School, 25-20, 25-16, 18-25, 25-13, on Tuesday.
The Wolves jumped out to an early 3-1 lead in the fourth behind a goal from senior Mariska Laurila, who had 12 points on the night.
“I knew it wasn’t going to be an easy game.” Lorilla said. “We knew we had to work hard and keep the energy level high.”
The Broncos responded with three quick straight points to take a 4-3 lead. “We’ve been dealing with a few different injuries, but the girls have done a good job of stepping up with confidence on the court.” Broncos coach Brooke Anderson said.
The Wolves fought back with five straight points, including another kill from Laurila and two aces from junior Meadow Walcher, to take the lead again at 8-4.
“Our senior leadership was huge for us tonight.” Timberwolves coach Steve Koetsch said. “They just keep fighting and never give up. I think Bark River probably had enough to take a couple of sets, but our girls came back strong from the third set onwards.”
The Broncos continued to battle back and tied the game at 9-9, but then six straight points, including two aces by sophomore Paige Jardine, who had eight aces on the night, put the Wolves back in the lead at 15-9.
The Broncos got within four points at 17-13 but couldn’t get any closer.
The Broncos trailed 17-14 in the second set before the Timberwolves won eight of the final 10 points to take the set. Jardine hit three aces to give the Timberwolves the win and close out the set.
The Broncos’ best performance of the night came in the third set when the Broncos led 19-17. Bark River Harris won seven of the final eight points to take the third set. “I’m proud of the way our girls responded after losing the first two sets.” Anderson said. “Credit to Carney, they’re a tenacious team and they have really good servers.”
Mariska Laurila led the Wolves with 12 kills and three aces. Meadow Walcher had 22 assists to go along with nine digs, two aces and two kills. Bristal Castle had 14 digs and three kills and Ashley Topper had eight digs, six aces and four kills.
Carney-Nadeau hosts Menominee on Thursday at 7 p.m., while the Broncos host Manistique on Thursday at 7 p.m.