Oskaloosa Eighth-Grade A1 Volleyball Wins Season Opener at Knoxville
KNOXVILLE — Oskaloosa’s eighth-grade volleyball A1 team won three of five sets against Knoxville to lead the Indians in their season opener.
A2 dropped a five-set contest, while the B team went winless despite several close games. Coach Anna Gritters said each group showed positives, giving the coaching staff areas to build on in the coming weeks.
A1 won its first three sets 15-10, 15-11 and 15-13 before Knoxville took the final two 15-7 and 15-9.
Izzy Ritz finished with six aces and two digs. Emerson Roe helped direct the offense with seven assists while adding an ace and two kills.
Haelyn Richmond contributed five kills and three digs, and Genesis Ramirez recorded four aces, three kills and two digs. Kambri Walker added two aces and two digs, while Ahndreya Winchel finished with a kill.
A2 recovered from a two-set deficit to pull even with Knoxville but fell short in the fifth set. The Indians lost the opening two sets by identical 15-11 scores, then responded with 15-7 and 15-11 victories. Knoxville claimed the deciding set 15-12.
Haley Overbergen led A2’s serving efforts with six aces and added two digs. Cami Metcalf contributed three aces, a kill and a dig.
Lyla Lisk finished with an ace, two assists and a kill, while Hailey Pettyjohn recorded an ace and four digs. Emma Mott added an ace and an assist, and Kami Thomas contributed a kill and a dig.
The B team became more relaxed as the evening progressed, according to Gritters. Although the group lost all 10 contests, it stayed within reach several times, including two 15-13 losses and a 15-12 loss.
Brielle Roy-Harrison provided leadership on the court and finished with four aces and six kills. Caitlyn Parker recorded seven aces, a kill and an assist.
Elizabeth Chavez contributed four aces and two kills, while Avery Webb added four aces and a kill. Naomi VandeKrol and Leah Silvers each finished with three aces.
Averi Sparks recorded two aces and two kills, and Ryelynn Rummans added an ace and four kills.
Gritters said building confidence will be important as the B team works toward finishing those close contests. Across all three groups, the coaches are looking for steady progress as players gain experience.
Oskaloosa will host Pella Christian on Monday, Sept. 14.
