By Brian Wierima
Although the final tally was 3-1 in favor of the visiting Perham volleyball team over Detroit Lakes, that mark didn't reflect how close the match actually was Tuesday inside Ralph Anderson Gym.
The widest margin between the two teams in the four games was five points, with game four being a perfect example how close the two teams were as the Yellowjackets (2-6) outlasted the Lakers (0-3) 29-27 to clinch the match 3-1.
The Lakers looked like a different team as they have in their first two games by getting off to a fast start instead of a sluggish one. DL limited its unforced errors, while going almost flawless at the service line, which led to a 25-19 victory in game one.
ADVERTISEMENT
Perham, on the other hand, struggled at the line in games one and two, but overcame that with a 25-21 win in the second tilt after holding the lead for much of the game due to some solid net play by sophomore Tiffany Schroeer and solid defense all-around.
Game three was just as nip and tuck, with the two teams dueling at the end as Perham held the edge at the end to win 25-22.
Game four exemplified how the entire night went -- close as close could get.
The widest margin was three points, which was held by Perham at 20-17.
DL held the edge 25-24 after a Perham out of bounds hit, but a net violation tied it at 25.
A tip by the Laker's Lof once again game DL the advantage, but they couldn't connect with the deciding point with Kayla Specher blasting down a kill down the middle to knot the score at 26-26.
Another tip by Macey Bentley once again gave the home team the chance to force game five, but the Perham defense remained solid, fending off the Laker's attempts of ending the game.
Finally, Peloquin put forced down a kill on the DL side of the floor to give the 'Jackets a 27-27 tie. Peloquin's name was called again after the ensuing serve by Pfeffer to give the visitors a 28-27 margin, with the game and match ending on a DL long ball out of bounds to end it at 29-27.
ADVERTISEMENT
"Schroeer had some big-time kills for us tonight and I was very impressed in that game four when Brandi Cresap laid out for (the save) to keep us in the game," Christenson said. "This was a great match to watch from the stands. DL has some fantastic young hitters and the next time we meet, it will be another good match."
Weekend struggles
The Jackets went 1-3 at the Eden Prairie Tournament over the weekend.
Perham started pool play against an old foe, Alexandria. The Jackets got four kills and seven aces from senior Haley Frost, but fell, 2-0 (25-20, 26-24). Schroeer led the team with five kills.
In game two, Perham finally earned their first win of the season, taking a 2-1 match from Minneapolis Southwest (25-13, 23-25, 15-5). Speicher had seven kills and seven digs to go with two aces for the Jackets. Schroeer had nine kills and a block in the win.
After a 2-0 loss to Mounds View, Perham concluded the tournament with a 2-0 loss to Waconia.
Wolverines come back
The Jackets missed a chance at their first win at home last Thursday in a 3-2 (22-25, 25-17, 18-25, 25-19, 15-7) loss to Wadena-Deer Creek.
ADVERTISEMENT
Perham looked solid in winning games one and three. They looked less than solid in games two and four, both losses, before allowing the Wolverines to steal a win from Prairie Wind Gymnasium with a 15-7 win in game five.
"Consistency," head coach Dan Christenson said. "Compared to our first game last week, we looked better. But we still have a ways to go in getting into a rhythm. Putting consistent games together."
Tara Sailer played an outstanding game from the back row, recording 22 digs and 22 serve receptions. Frost led Perham with 12 kills and Schroeer added 11 kills with 7 blocks.
Perham will travel to Lake Park-Audubon today (Sept. 7) before returning home for three straight Heart O' Lakes Conference games, starting with Breckenridge on Sept. 14.
(EDITORS NOTE: EOT Illustrated Sports Editor John George contributed to this story.)
