BY RICH PALZEWIC
CORRESPONDENT
SUAMICO – The Bay Port volleyball team was firing on all cylinders in its match with Ashwaubenon on September 26.
The result was an easier-than-expected 25-13, 25-16, 25-19, Fox River Classic Conference sweep of the Jaguars at Bay Port High School.
The Lady Pirates improved to 18-7 overall and 3-1 in the FRCC, while the Jaguars dropped to 14-15 overall and 2-3 in conference play.
“I thought we did a really nice job of controlling things on our side of the net,” said Bay Port head coach Brendan Baier. “I thought we also did a great job of creating chaos on the other side of the net where we didn’t allow them to get comfortable. I’m just really proud of the way we played and the way we responded.”
Ashwaubenon’s Maddie Koch was the player to watch coming into the game, but it was Bay Port’s Olivia Schaut who also impressed. Schaut had 12 kills to go along with her 5 aces on the night to lead the Pirates. Mady Schroeder had 20 digs, while Maura McGinnity was sensational once again with her 22 assists.
“We knew coming into the game that it would be tough, because (Ashwaubenon) was coming off a really good game,” said the junior Schaut. “We also knew that they have a really strong outside hitter (Koch) and we knew that was going to be one of their strongest points. We watched film all week (to prepare).”
The junior Koch verbally committed last month to play college volleyball at Purdue University.
Tied at three in set one, Bay Port took control with a 9-1 run from there to seize control. Set two saw the Pirates jump out to a 5-0 lead, before scoring 8 of the last 11 points in the set to win going away. Ashwaubenon jumped out to an 8-4 lead in the final game, but once again Bay Port went on a run to take charge; this time with an 8-0 burst to turn a 12-9 deficit into a 17-12 lead.
Email Rich ([email protected]) or follow him on Twitter (@richpalzewic).
