By Kevin Cederstrom
The Eagles volleyball team was determined to make history as the host team in Saturday's annual tournament at the Sports Center. Call it determination, call it a gut check, the Eagles fought to a critical 31-29 win in game one of the championship against Upsala. The emotional lift carried over into game two as New York Mills won relatively easy in the second game 25-16 to take the tournament championship for the first time in school history.
The Eagles reached the championship after cruising through pool play, where they won five of six games.
"The girls were determined to be the first New York Mills team ever to win our own tournament because they played smart and with conviction," head coach Amy Koskela said.
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NY Mills started the day by beating Swanville 2-0 (25-19, 25-14). The Eagles then beat Nevis 2-0 (25-21, 25-15) and split with Menahga (25-17, 13-25) to reach the finals.
The tournament win came off a 3-0 (25-23, 25-10, 25-21) loss to Bertha-Hewitt on Sept. 7. Although they were swept, Koskela was very pleased with the girls' level of play.
"It was still an impressive outing. We lost in three, but it was the best the girls had played yet this season," she said. "The girls were able to keep that momentum and skill going for our tournament on Saturday, and that was obvious with how well they came together to work as a unit."
And there was no let down on Saturday.
"I think it was exciting for all New York Mills players, parents and coaches who were present," Koskela commented. "I know that I didn't have much of a voice left after that game because I was so hyped up! The girls really showed that they are going to be a force to be reckoned with."
The Eagles will host Verndale, the third place team at the Mills Tournament last weekend, tonight (Sept. 14) at the Sports Center. From there, they hit the road to face Battle Lake on Sept. 18 before returning home to play Sebeka on Sept. 21.
