Panther volleyball finds first win at Tiger Tourney

GRISWOLD — Creston’s volleyball team traveled to Griswold on Saturday for four matches at the Griswold Tournament.

Creston, now 1-11 on the season, swept Denison-Schleswig in two sets for their first win of the season.

The Panthers played in four matches: a 21-18, 21-12 defeat to eventual champion Riverside, a 21-18, 21-10 sweep by runner ups Griswold, a fiercely fought 22-20, 23-21 loss to Exira and a 21-12, 21-18 victory over Denison-Schleswig.

“I thought we played hard on Saturday,” Creston head coach Teresa Arkfeld said. “We were missing two of our starters due to illness but the girls that came off the bench were ready to put in the most effort they could. We had another freshman(Hollynn Rick) join us on Saturday and she did really good setting, diving for balls and hitting.”

Senior Caitlin Bruce found herself in a new position on Saturday.

“She stepped into the libero position on Saturday and put all her effort into being the best passer on the floor,” Arkfeld said. “She came away with 28 digs.”

Kadley Bailey and Doryn Paup were named to the all-tournament team.

“Bailey was on her toes all day and earned all-tournament team,” Arkfeld said. “She had 19 digs, 22 assist and six aces.

“Paup had to adjust to some different setters but she really stepped up as a leader and was all over the court with 31 kills, four aces and 22 digs,” Arkfeld added.

Creston hosts Denison-Schleswig Thursday.

“We got our first win against Denison and I’m ready to see them on Thursday again,” Arkfeld said. “It should be a good match to watch.”