Morgan Verhoff of Miller City tips the ball over Columbus Grove defenders on Wednesday night.
Nate Reynolds | The Lima News
COLUMBUS GROVE – On paper, Wednesday’s outcome in a non-conference volleyball matchup between Columbus Grove and Miller City looked like an easy three sets for Miller City.
Miller City defeated Columbus Grove in straight sets on Wednesday – 25-23, 25-17, 25-22.
However, during those three sets the score was tied 19 times, including 10 times in the opening set.
With the win, Miller City improved to 9-2 overall. Columbus Grove slipped to 4-5.
Miller City coach Tara Tietje said her team has shown a great deal of mental toughness this season.
“We’ve been talking a lot about their mental toughness on the court and putting the pieces together as a team. We want them to fight through it, be aggressive on our side and focus on what we can do as a team. You have to push through the games, especially when you’re getting tired. We have to play hard, work together as a team and make sure everyone is doing their part,” Tietje said.
In Wednesday’s first set, Columbus Grove had an answer for nearly every point that Miller City recorded.
Morgan Verhoff led the charge for Miller City in the first set as she knocked down four kills. Verhoff ended the night with 17 kills. Gemma Otto slammed down six kills, while Cloe Kuhlman recorded five kills on the night. Libby Erford had 22 digs for Miller City.
“My assistant coaches have done a great job with hitting this year,” Tietje said. “(Assistant coaches) Amber Miller and Adam Choi have taken the hitting while I’ve taken the defense. They have really improved our hitting in our front row players this year – just running different things and finding holes on the court.”
For Columbus Grove, Kendal Palte had seven kills, while teammate Aubrey Shroeder recorded six kills. Saige Benroth had 21 digs for the Bulldogs.
Tietje said her team overcame some early-season adversity.
“We have everyone back (from last season) except for a couple girls, and we had a couple injuries, early in the season. We’ve had about five girls injured in the past couple weeks. So, we definitely pushed through those injuries. We only have one injured now. So, hopefully we can keep it that way,” she said.
Miller City 3, Columbus Grove 0
Kills: Miller City – Morgan Verhoff 17; Columbus Grove – Kendal Palte 7
Digs: Miller City – Libby Erford 22; Columbus Grove – Saige Benroth 21
Blocks: Miller City – Gemma Otto 5; Columbus Grove – Sara Henige 2
Aces: Miller City – Payton Michel 3, Makenna Warnimont 3; Columbus Grove – Kendal Palte 2
