Starting their 2019 season at home, the Dell Rapids Quarrier volleyball team lost a hard-fought, close battle to the West Central Trojans on Thursday, August 29th. The Trojans defeated the Quarriers 25-18, 20-25, 27-25, 27-25 for the win.
West Central grabbed the momentum early in the first set and raced to an 11-4 lead. The lead grew to 23-12, but Dell Rapids was able cut the lead down to 24-18 before West Central took the win in the first set. After a 4-4 tie early in the second set, the Quarriers took a 12-8 lead. The Trojans tied the game at 15-15, and the two teams went back-and-forth over the next few points. Dell Rapids pulled away late at 22-18 and closed out the set 25-20 to tie the match at 1-1.
The third set went back-and-forth early, but by the middle of the set the Trojans found themselves in the lead at 15-10. West Central continued to maintain a five-point lead at 22-17, but Dell Rapids went on a 7-1 run to take a 24-23 lead. The Trojans scored the next two points to retake the lead at 25-24. After a 25-25 tie score, the Trojans scored the final two points for the win.
The Quarriers took momentum early in the fourth set and looked to be headed towards forcing a fifth set leading 16-9. The Trojans, however, went on a 9-2 scoring run to tie the set at 18-18. Dell Rapids recovered to take a 24-20 lead, but again the Trojans went on a late run of five straight points to take a 25-24 lead. The Quarriers tied the set at 25-25, but West Central scored the final two points for the match win.
Dell Rapids was led by Kyra Graham with six kills. Olivia Prasek added five kills. Mallory Haak finished with 22 set assists, seven digs, and two ace serves. Gabi Rus had 12 digs. Graham also had two blocks, and Kenzie Garry had a block.
The Quarriers (0-1) will play in the Canton Invite on Saturday, August 31st.