Rockets Split Opening Matches at Fairfield Triangular
FAIRFIELD, Iowa – The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont volleyball team kicked off its 2026 season at the Fairfield Triangular on Thursday, Aug. 27. The Rockets beat WACO in straight sets, then lost a close three-set match to Fairfield.
The Rockets ended the night with a 1-1 record. They showed a variety of offensive plays and used strong serving to keep their opponents on their heels.
EBF started the night against WACO and won 25-21, 25-19. Their next match against Fairfield was much closer.
EBF won the first set against the Trojans, 25-18. Fairfield came back to take the second set, 25-22, and then won the deciding third set 15-11.
Serving was a major strength for EBF during the triangular. The Rockets finished with 17 aces across both matches.
Kinzey Lobberecht led the team with six aces, making 15 of 17 serves. She also had seven kills on 25 attacks, 10 digs, and one block.
Kinley Lobberecht also had a strong night, finishing with 11 kills on 41 attacks, four aces, eight digs, and an assist.
Andrea Genskow ran the Rockets’ offense with 37 assists, plus two kills and three digs. She also served 19 times with three aces.
Other Rockets players also made key contributions.
Lindsay Akers had six kills and two blocks. Kenley Albertson was efficient at the net, scoring six kills on seven attempts and adding a block. Lanie Batterson chipped in three kills and led the team with five blocks.
Morgan Rea was perfect on three attacks, scoring one kill. She also served 14 of 15 times with an ace and made eight digs.
Layni Burch served 12 of 13 times with two aces and had seven digs. Gracie Long added two aces, 10 digs, and served 17 of 22 times.
Head coach Gladys Genskow said the first night gave her a good sense of the Rockets’ strengths and what they need to work on.
“The Rockets started their season at Fairfield with many positive aspects throughout the night,” Genskow said. “Strong serving made for 17 total ace serves on the night forcing teams out of their system all night long.”
The match against Fairfield was an early challenge for a Rockets team still getting into its groove.
“We played a tough match with Fairfield that challenged both teams, but even though we did not win the match there were many aspects that made the night a success,” Genskow said.
Genskow said the main problem was that EBF gave up too many points.
“We are our worst enemy right now with too many unforced errors,” Genskow said. “The team has many players that can contribute in all areas of the game. We will be a threat to any team we play as long as we can cut down those errors.”
With the season just starting, Genskow said the team will keep working to get better.
“The season is just starting and we are excited to see how we grow as a team,” Genskow said. “I am super proud of this team and all their hard work they have put in so far. We will continue to strive to be better each time we step out on the court in some aspect.”
After the opening triangular, EBF stands at 1-1. The straight-set win and close loss gave the Rockets an early test and showed that many players can step up.
