The Austin Packers continued to play well under first-year coach Andrea Becker as they beat the Winona Winhawks in four games on the road, 16-14, 15-9, 13-15 , 16-14.

Friday, September 10, 1999

The Austin Packers continued to play well under first-year coach Andrea Becker as they beat the Winona Winhawks in four games on the road, 16-14, 15-9, 13-15 , 16-14.

Brooke Gentzler had 20 kills to lead the Packers. Lauren Feller had 25 digs. "It was a another great team effort," said Becker. "Gina (Golberg and Kelly (Grimely) both did well on passing.

Becker said Thersea Hirsch played well in her first time with the varsity squad.

Austin (4-2) will play in the Red Wing Invite on Saturday.

LeRoy-Ostrander 3,

Grand Meadow 0

In the first conference match of the season for both teams it was the Cardinals prevailing over the Superlarks 15-9, 15-8, and 15-12.

Nina Bucknell was the star of the match for the Cardinals. She began the match with five straight points won on her serve. She ended the night with 11 service points with six ace serves. She pounded down five kills and recorded nine set assists. Bucknell was ably assisted by Lindsay Mensink, Annie Winfield, and Kelly Davis. Mensink dug out 14 balls, pounded home seven kills, and had 13 blocks. Winfield had 11 blocks and Davis 12.

After falling behind 5-0 in the first game the Superlarks mounted a rally getting the score to 11-9 put were unable to get another score. Game two they took the lead for the first time getting ahead early 7-2. The Cardinals then roared back for the win. Grand Meadow fought gamely in the final but with the score at 12-12 the Cardinals reeled off three points to post the win.

Grand Meadow (0-3, 0-1) will next be in Mabel-Canton on Tuesday. While LeRoy (2-1, 1-0) takes part on Saturday in the Hayfield Tourney.

Blooming Prairie 3,

WEM 0

The Awesome Blossoms are looking strong. Thursday night they passed a big test with a sweep on the road, 15-10, 15-3, 15-4. They have now reeled off three straight Gopher Conference wins to start the season.

"Last year we lost the two matches with WEM.," Blooming Prairie coach Mary Worke said, "so, the girls are pretty happy with a three game win over there. We played really well all-around."

Statistically it was Ranell Goette with 10 kills and eight blocks, Missy Avery had eight kills and 13 digs, and Sara Anderson powered home three ace serves and picked up 24 set assists.

Saturday the Blossoms head west to participate in the Hayfield tourney.