The Dell Rapids Quarrier volleyball team had one thing on their mind on Tuesday, September 21st, and that was to get a statement win over the #4 ranked Garretson Blue Dragons. The Quarriers did just about that, but the Blue Dragons held off the Quarriers for a five-set win.
After an early 7-7 tie in the opening set, the Quarriers gained some momentum. Dell Rapids went on an 8-2 run for a 15-9 lead. The lead grew to 10 points at 22-12. Garretson couldn’t overcome the lead, and Dell Rapids took the first set 25-17.
The Quarriers used that energy to build an early 6-1 lead in the second set. The Blue Dragons were able to stop the Quarrier run and go on one of their own. Garretson responded with a 9-1 run for a 10-7 lead. Dell Rapids was able to regain the lead at 15-14 and push that lead to three at 17-14. The set was once again tied at 19-19 before Garretson finished on a 6-2 advantage for a 25-21 win.
The Blue Dragons were able to build a 12-6 lead at the midway point of the third set. The Quarriers were able to cut the lead in half at 15-12, but that was as close as they could get. Garretson went on an 8-1 run for a 10-point advantage, 23-13, and won the third set 25-15 for a 2-1 match lead.
Garretson again got out to a lead in the fourth set, this time at 12-7. Dell Rapids rallied to tie the score at 14-14. The Quarriers then went on a 6-2 run for a 20-16 advantage. Dell Rapids would not lose the lead and won the fourth set 25-21 to force a fifth and final set.
The fifth set went back-and-forth early. The score was tied at each point up to 5-5. The Quarriers took the first lead of more than one point and scored five straight for a 10-5 lead. Garretson called a timeout and were able to regroup. After the timeout, the Blue Dragons scored eight straight points for a 13-10 lead. Dell Rapids was only able to get it 14-12 as Garretson took the set 15-12 to win the match.
Sophi Randall had eight kills, two ace serves, 20 blocks, 11 digs, and 12 set assists. Kenzie Garry finished the match with nine kills, seven blocks, and five digs. JoJo Henry added seven kills, three ace serves, two blocks, and nine digs. Riley Hill finished with four kills, four ace serves, five blocks, 11 digs, and 17 set assists. Lexi Ingalls had 11 digs on defense. Lauryn Kloth had five kills, 10 blocks, and five digs. Kylee Fiddelke had two kills and seven blocks.
Dell Rapids (7-6) will travel to Flandreau on Thursday, September 23rd.