Red Oak volleyball downs Harlan

The Red Oak Tiger volleyball team fought through all five sets to defeat the Cyclones in Harlan on Tuesday, Sept. 27. This is the first time since 2008 that the Tigers came out on top of the Harlan matches.
“I was so proud of the girls turning around from a disappointing second and third sets to take complete control of the final two sets,” coach Angie Montgomery said. “They did this behind a powerful defensive performance from Sydney Streicher and Kate Carlson, and the well-balanced attacking of hitters Sierra Athen, Dana Marsden and Chloe Johnson.”
The Tigers won set one 25-21, then lost the next two sets 13-25 and 20-25. The Tigers regrouped and came out victorious in the final two sets, 25-20 and 15-13.
“Shawna Baldwin and Sophie Walker found their groove in the middle, helping the Tigers defensively to block many strong attempts from the Harlan team, and helping to shift the momentum our way,” Montgomery said.
The Tigers fought defensively, successfully blocking the Cyclones ten times. Shawna Baldwin led in blocks with three, followed by Sierra Athen and Sophie Walker with two each. Chloe Johnson, Hannah Vial and Dana Marsden each added a block.
Leading the team in kills was Athen with 18, and she added 21 digs. Marsden had 13 kills, 29 assists and 10 digs.
Sydney Streicher had 23 digs, and Sarah Behrens had 18 assists.
At this point in the season, the Tigers are in third place in the Hawkeye 10 conference, with a 14-7 record.
Athen is third in the conference with 204 kills. Marsden has blocked 19 total times, placing her in second in the conference in blocking. She is also ranked 3rd in digs at 94, and sixth in assists with 333.
“The girls never gave up and once they started to relax, have fun, and play some volleyball, they showed the true potential they have and that can be a huge force to reckon with.”