On Thursday, October 8th, the Lincoln East Varsity Volleyball team defeated the Norfolk Panthers three sets to one in a highly competitive battle in the Lincoln East Gymnasium.

The Spartans got off to a fast start, they won the first set 25-16 and then the second 25-20. The Panthers were able to salvage the third set 25-23 following a fierce rally by the Spartans before East closed out the fourth 25-9. Energy was key for the Spartans throughout the match, but especially in that bounce back fourth set.

“At the beginning of the first and second sets, we definitely came out with a lot of energy and we kept that energy too,” said Senior Outside Hitter Annalee Ventling-Brown. “Sure we lost it a little bit in the third set, but then we brought it back strong for the fourth.”

The Spartans featured a very balanced scoring attack that was highlighted by three Spartans in double figures. Senior Brooke Peltz had 15, Senior Delaney Novy found the floor on 12 occasions, and Annalee Ventling-Brown had 10. Senior leadership has been key for the Spartans this season, especially after having the first two weeks of the season postponed due to a positive Covid-19 test within the program.

“We all basically played together last year, so we have pretty good team chemistry,” said Senior Libero Brooke Mccartney. But that doesn’t mean that there isn’t a strong underclassmen presence on the team either. Freshman Aaliyah Bradford, Shandy Faalii, Reese Boyd, and Sophomore Brooklyn Fuchs all have found the floor at times this season.

The Spartans have now won back to back games against Lincoln High and now Norfolk to improve their record to 5-6. They will look to continue the streak this weekend in a tough round robin tournament up at Skutt Catholic.