September 27, 2024 – West Bend, WI – It was a thrilling night for the West Bend West Spartans as they beat the Grafton Black Hawks in 5 sets.
West won the first set 25-22 as Breleigh Ustruck had 2 blocks and a kill in the final 5 points to close out the match.
Grafton won game 2, 25- 17 behind some strong serving from the Black Hawks.
Game 3 started back and forth at 4-4 until West reeled off 5 straight points to lead 9-4. Grafton battled back to an 18-18 tie behind tough front-line blocking. West won the back-and-forth battle 26-24.
Grafton was in control of game 4 from the start until West battled back. Two straight kills by Laila Hertel pulled West in front 21-20 but Grafton finished strong with five straight points to win 25 – 21.
In the final game, West started fast 3-0 as Emmalee Heniadis had two aces and big kills by Heniadis and Hertel got West ahead for good to win 15-11.
Grafton has a great team both offensively and defensively. The Spartans were determined to stay focused on defense and hustle. Emy Miller did an outstanding job on covering the court to make some great defensive plays.
The Spartans were led by Kylee Altendorf with 21 kills, and 15 digs, Emmalee Heniadis had 13 kills, 4 ace serves and 14 digs, Laila Hertel added 10 kills and 2 blocks. Emy Miller was a strong leader in the back row with 37 digs,
The Spartans are 4-1 in the North Shore Conference. The Spartans will look to build on their momentum at the Sprawl Friday and Saturday.
About the author: Morgan Winkler is a junior at West Bend West and is a setter on the varsity team.