FDLTCC volleyball avenges earlier loss to Anoka Ramsey

If only all of the Thunder matches were on Saturday afternoons.

For the second time in as many weekends, the Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College volleyball team picked up a Saturday afternoon win, defeating Anoka Ramsey 3-2 (25-23, 23-25, 12-25, 25-20, 15-11) at the Central Lakes College Triangular in Brainerd, Minn.

It was the second victory of the fall – and fourth in the school’s history – for FDLTCC (2-14), as the team avenged an earlier season 2-0 loss to the Golden Rams in tournament play.

“I think our girls knew they could beat them,” said Thunder Coach Loran Wappes. “They started out on fire, had a couple of lulls, but then came on strong in the end and closed it out. I was very happy.”

FDLTCC also lost to Central Lakes Saturday 3-0. Although the Thunder has struggled over time, Wappes said his ladies haven’t lost their confidence, noting their competitiveness even against nationally-ranked competition.

“It can be tough to lose, but to their credit, they haven’t been discouraged,” he said of his players. “I think they know they’re better than their record indicates. Hopefully we can continue playing well as we move along.”

Against Anoka Ramsey, three Thunder school records were set: Cloquet’s Rachel Sanda had 40 digs, Rita Aspinwall tossed 38 set assists and Wrenshall’s Holly Nelson smashed 19 kills.

Cloquet’s Amber Gregg also posted 17 digs and 10 kills against the Golden Rams, while Barnum’s Jenna Shanda and Cromwell-Wright’s Dayna Elmer each recorded 16 and 15 digs, respectively, as well as multiple kills. Carlton’s Katrina Anderson also had more than half a dozen kills, while Aspinwall added 15 digs in FDLTCC’s most impressive statistical victory thus far.

The Thunder was at Vermilion Wednesday night when this edition of the Pine Journal went to press. They’ll next travel to Rainy River Friday and Hibbing Saturday, before hosting a season-ending, four-match home stand starting Oct. 12.

“It’s been a long time,” said Wappes about not playing at home since Sept. 17.

Tags: thunder sports, sports, volleyball, fdltcc