Pointers sweep Panthers in volleyball, set sights on WIAA Tournament

By John Dalton

The third-ranked team in Division 4 volleyball, Mineral Point Pointers, played their final SWAL Conference game Thursday night at Iowa-Grant and dominated the Panthers in three sets, 25-9, 25-6, and 25-16. They now have a week off before starting WIAA Regional Tournament play on Thursday night (October 24th) against the Iowa-Grant vs. Wisconsin Heights winner.

The Pointers looked tournament-ready in this game.  In game one Mineral Point raced to a 12-2 lead thanks in part to nice serving streaks by Eliza Ingwell and Ella Kroll.  After a Laci Lindsey spike making it 21-9, Pointer Ava Ingwell would serve out the game's balance and take the first set 25-9.

The Pointers had total control in game two cruising to a 25-6 victory.  Mineral Point Head Coach Kari Kabat said after the game, “Our girls are playing some of their best ball of the season right now. They really came out and collectively played great all around. It was our last regular game of the season and it was so great to be able to see everyone on the court tonight.”

In game three it was tied 10-10 when Mineral Point put their foot on the pedal again and pulled away and won it 25-16.  Coach Kabat said, “Now we are setting our sights on preparing for hopefully a deep post-season run. It is an exciting time!”

Stat leaders for Mineral Point were:

Kills: Brynn Swenson 12, Maddy Kabat & Laci Lindsey 9

Assists: Eliza Ingwell 32

Aces: Maddy Kabat 5, Ava Ingwell 

Blocks: Laci Lindsey 3, Brynn Swenson 1

Digs: Maddy Kabat 17, Ava Ingwell 15

Stat leaders for Iowa-Grant were:

Passing leaders: Quinn Hoeper: 7 digs, Adrienne Biddick and Elli Moen: 4 digs 

Setting leaders: Lakyn Holman: 6 assists, Carly Shores: 4 assists 

Hitting leaders: Adrienne Biddick: 6 kills, Natalie Starkey: 2 kills 

Blocking leaders: BreAnn Kohlenberg: 2 blocks, Adrienne Biddick: 1 block