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By Kate Huber, Maquoketa Valley senior

DELHI – The Maquoketa Valley volleyball team  traveled to Coggon last week to take on an average North-Linn team and, although the Wildcats came out strong, they weren’t able to finish the win.

Maquoketa Valley won the first two games, 25-23 and 25-15, and then lost the next three 25-18, 25- 17 and 25-18.

Leading the offense was Nicole Kudrna with 13 kills. Following her was Brooke Wooten with nine. Ali Holtz led the serving, going 19 for 20 with one ace. Behind her was Ashley Holtz with four aces and going 14 for 15. Ali Holtz also had 15 assists and  Brooke Wooten had 13.

Defensively, Ashley Holtz led the back row with an impressive 18 digs. Renee Huber led the defense at the net with two blocks.

“We came out fighting and controlled game 1 and 2 but let them hang on too long and they ended up getting us at the end,” Coach Tiffany Feldman said. “We had way too many mistakes and lack of mental toughness to ensure we take that third game right away. It was a tough loss. I am hoping we can end our regular season strong and really come out and show everyone what MV volleyball is all about.”

That’s exactly what the Wildcats came out and did on Tuesday night for Senior Night. The girls were able to take all three game from Monticello, winning 25-21, 25-21 and 25-18.

Renee Huber led the offense with 10 kills. Kate Huber went 13 for 13 for serving with two aces. Brooke Wooten had 12 assists Tuesday, while Ali Holtz had 10.

Defensively, Wooten and Renee Huber each had seven digs in the back row.

“I was so happy with the way the girls came out to play,” Feldman said. “It was such a (good) way to end our regular season and honor our seniors. We had great communication and really played strong at the net.

“I was very impressed with all three of our seniors as well. I am so proud of them. We hope to take this energy into our conference tournament this Saturday. We also look forward to hosting North-Linn for our first round (regional) game on October 17th.”