Unity edges Hinton netters in WEC match-up

(Sentinel photo by Bethany Kroeze) Hinton setter Kylee Landenberger tries to surprise the Unity defense with a quick set over the net Tuesday night in the War Eagle match-up. [Click to enlarge]

After cruising through the War Eagle Conference schedule with a 7-0 record, the Hinton volleyball team hosted Unity Christian in a much anticipated battle for first place in the conference on Tuesday.

Unfortunately for the Blackhawks, their record slipped to 7-1 in the WEC after they dropped a 3-0 decision to the Knights.

Unity came out strong in the first game with a seven point victory as they won 25-18 to take a 1-0 lead. The Blackhawks went toe to toe with the visitors and battled into extra points. However, the Knights' experience was too much for Hinton as they stole a 26-24 win in game two.

(Sentinel photo by Bethany Kroeze) Hinton's Ashton Moody smacks a block down against a Unity outside hitter during the Blackhawks' 3-0 War Eagle loss to the Knights Tuesday. [Click to enlarge]

Needing a win in game three to continue match play, Hinton fell short by three points as Unity went on the win the match with a 25-22 victory.

"I thought we did pretty well but obviously, Unity is a very good team," said Hinton's Kate Ortegren. "But I don't think we played as well as can we can all the time. Against a team like that, you can't take a point or two off and that's kind of what happened."

"But after the first game, I think we really adjusted to their hitting. They just came out stronger."

Kylee Landenberger was all over the court on Tuesday night as she had one ace from the service line and collected nine digs defensively. Landenberger, the team's setter, also collected 25 assists in the match.

Ryann Mycka also had an ace while serving and collected 11 digs in the team's effort. Ashton Moody had the team's other ace and recorded three blocks on the stat sheets - two solo and one unassisted.

Britni Freed led the Blackhawks in kills with eight while finishing second on the team in digs with 10. Erin Hedlund finished behind Freed with seven kills but had four total blocks. The junior had one solo block and assisted on three others.

"We've played in a few matches like this during some of the tournaments earlier in the season," said Ortegren. "Like Heelan, we lost by a couple of points. I don't know if (the girls) don't realize their potential and we just can't get over the hump and win the game. It was just a couple of mistakes here and there but we did play well."

The Blackhawks won't have too much time to rest after Tuesday's match as they are scheduled to face Sergeant Bluff-Luton on the road this Thursday.

Hinton has faced the Warriors once this season in the WEC conference tournament but lost to SB-L.

"Hopefully we can make a few adjustments and come out strong on Thursday."

After the WEC finale on Thursday, the Blackhawks will travel to South O'Brien to face the Wolverines in the first round of the regional tournament. Regionals are scheduled to start Tuesday.