UPDATE: The Ridgewater College volleyball team staged an impressive comeback, overcoming an initial setback to secure a 3-1 victory against Western Technical College on Saturday. After dropping the first set 17-25, Ridgewater rallied to win the next three sets 25-19, 25-20, 25-16, showcasing their determination and skill.
This victory marks a critical moment for Ridgewater, who now stands at 7-7 in the Minnesota College Athletic Conference’s South Division and 9-11 overall. Western Tech of LaCrosse, Wisconsin, remains at 7-7 in MCAC play and 13-13 overall.
Leading the charge for Ridgewater was Rachel Jakel, a sophomore outside hitter from Renville County West, who delivered a stunning performance with 18 kills and 18 digs. Her contribution was pivotal in turning the tide for the Warriors.
Another standout was Johanna Braun, also an RCW graduate, who achieved a career-high with 46 set assists and added 13 digs. This surpassed her previous best of 45 assists, attained during a narrow 3-2 victory against Anoka-Ramsey Community College on September 27.
The depth of the Warriors’ lineup was evident, as Ellie Moulton, Martha Steinhagen, and Kori Bristle also made significant contributions, each reaching double figures in kills. Moulton, a sophomore from Staples-Motley, recorded 11 kills and 13 digs, while Steinhagen, a sophomore middle blocker from Southwest Christian, added 10 kills, 14 digs, and a team-high four aces. Freshman Bristle from MACCRAY rounded out the impressive performance with 10 kills and 2.5 blocks.
This win is a significant boost for Ridgewater as they prepare to face St. Cloud Technical and Community College in a critical MCAC match at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday at Willmar. The upcoming match will be crucial for both teams as they vie for a stronger position in the conference standings.
Ridgewater’s victory is not just a statistic; it reflects their resilience and teamwork, making this a moment to share and celebrate. Fans and supporters are encouraged to rally behind the Warriors as they continue their season.
