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Totino-Grace 3

North Branch 1

And the Vikings wanted to play these girls?

They wanted to surround themselves with some of the best teams around?

Yep, and Jim VanEerden doesn’t mind saying, the Vikings did pretty well. Pretty well indeed.

Hosting Totino-Grace last Thursday in their season opener, the North Branch volleyball team not only played the Eagles, they played with the Eagles, taking them down to the wire. Despite falling 3-1, the last three games were decided by a total of 13 points, meaning the Vikings are indeed ready for the 2004 season.

“I was pleased with how we were able to keep things close against a very powerful team,” replied VanEerden, North Branch head volleyball coach. “If our passing improves like I think it will, we are going to have a great season.”

The match started with the Eagles showing just how powerful they can be. Totino cruised through the first game, winning 25-14.

However, the Vikings turned the table in game two, matching the Eagles point for point. The two teams traded blows before North Branch eventually took control, winning 27-25, evening the match 1-1.

The Vikings would stay close the rest of the way. Unfortunately, untimely errors gave Totino just the opening they needed as the Eagles went onto take game three 25-19, before wrapping up the match and the win with a 25-20 win in game four. The 3-1 setback dropped the Vikings to 0-1 on the season.

“One aspect which stood out in the match was the defense of our middle blockers, Jenny Anderson and Kaia Nyborg,” said VanEerden. “They each had five solo blocks and altered several shots.”

With game number one under their belts, the Vikings have two more non-conference games to play before opening up the conference portion of their schedule. That takes place September 9 versus Mora.

Totino-Grace 3

North Branch 1

Game One-

Totino-Grace 25, North Branch 14

Game Two-

North Branch 27, Totino-Grace 25

Game Three-

Totino-Grace 25, North Branch 19

Game Four-

Totino-Grace 25, North Branch 20

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