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Perham Records 3-0 HOL Win in Pelican Rapids

By Craig Olson, 09/29/22, 9:00PM CDT

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The Pelican Rapids Vikings hosted the Perham Yellowjackets in a Heart O’ Lakes Conference battle Thursday.  The Vikings were excited to celebrate our homecoming and brought great energy to the gym, however, Perham spoiled the excitement with a 3-0 (25-23, 26-24, 25-12).

The Vikings started strong and did a great job keeping Perham out of system with their aggressive serving and hitting.  Outside hitter Kelsey Isaman had 3 big kills to start the game while Libero Morgan Korf had a big serving run to give the Vikings a 16-11 advantage in set 1.  Then Perham answered with a 7 point run of their own to put the Yellowjackets up by 1.  The Vikings were hitting and serving aggressively all set but 2 key service errors and a couple free balls given at crunch time gave Perham the opportunity to attack and go for the win. 

Set 2 started as a back and forth battle again.  “Our front row really did their job tonight defensively which we have been struggling with defending the short ball,” commented Pelican Rapids Head Coach Heidi Isaman.  “We made some monster digs tonight against the power hitters and complex offense of the yellow jackets.  Libero Morgan Korf read the ball really well tonight and dug a lot of what their best hitter was giving us.  Outside hitter Kelsey Isaman also played a solid defensive game to keep the ball alive as much as possible.  This set was back and forth from start to finish with not as many long runs from either team.  Both teams fought hard to get the ball back and stayed aggressive to execute when given the opportunity.  Middle hitter Ellie Welch had a big set at the front row.  She brought a lot of power on the offensive end and did a great job attacking the block.  Ellie and right side blocker Marie Backstrom also worked harder getting over the tape and started to get more quality touches on the block.” The Vikings were getting the job done and were up 24-22 when a missed serve gave the Yellowjackets another opportunity.  Perham took the opportunity and went on a 5 point run to get the win. 

A little deflated from the hard fought lost battle in set 2 the Vikings started slowly in set 3 and had trouble getting themselves back in an offensive rhythm.  “Over all the Vikings did some amazing things tonight on the volleyball court against one of the top teams in the conference and section,” concluded Coach Isaman.  “Our girls got better tonight in many areas and I am very proud of their efforts on the defensive end and how we had times of great execution on the offensive end.” 

Statistical leaders for the Vikings were Ellie Welch (7 kills, 10 digs, 6 assists, 2 block kills), Morgan Korf (2 aces, 24 digs, 3 set assists), Anna Roisum (6 kills, 5 digs, 13 set assists), Kelsey Isaman (5 kills, 14 digs) and Hazel Haugrud (12 digs).

No Perham stats were reported.

The Vikings will host New York Mills Tuesday of next week and Frazee Thursday.