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Warriors celebrate postseason win

REGIONAL VOLLEYBALL: ROCKFORD 3, RICEVILLE 0 (25-15, 25-15, 25-10)

Warriors celebrate postseason win

The Warriors had no problem moving on to the second round of the postseason Tuesday night, as they cruised to a three-set win against Riceville at home.

Rockford, who finished its season winning three of its last five matches, earned a bid to play at Northwood-Kensett on Oct. 27 with its win Tuesday night.

Head coach Maggie Pruin said the team is flying high is going to ride the momentum as far as it can.

“Oh, the girls are excited,” Pruin said. “We got that first round done and over with, so we’re just going to move on. We’re really excited to have this win.”

The first set on Tuesday only lasted 15 minutes. The second set was 18 minutes; the third: 22 minutes.

At an alarming rate, the Warriors’ offense was rinsing through Riceville’s defense. Hitters Skylar Schmitt and Mackenzie Rooney pounded the ball at the Riceville defense for a total of 21 kills between the two of them.

Rockford had 26 kills as a team.

Junior setter Theresa Jones put the ball in play 23 times, successfully, to keep Rockford on consecutive point streaks.

Schmitt and Rooney also worked to dig the ball and keep the transition from defense to offense smooth.

Pruin said the difference between the margin of victory the Warriors had Tuesday night to a five-set, 25-23 win is huge.

“This is just more physically demanding,” Pruin said of quick, three-set matches. “But if you go those long sets, it’s more mentally exhausting than anything. How do you condition that? To have that big of a spread felt good.”

Pruin said it was imperative to have the momentum like what was earned against Riceville, if the Warriors are going to have a shot against the Vikings.

Rockford has matched up with Northwood-Kensett, going 1-7 in three matches this season. Pruin knows it will be a hard fought battle.

Last year, the Warriors fell in the first round to Tripoli, so to have a postseason win under their belts is enough to have the Warriors excited about moving on.

RICEVILLE AT ROCKFORD, OCT. 20, ROUND 1 REGIONALS

Rockford 25 25 25 Riceville 15 15 10

Rockford stat leaders

Kills: Skylar Schmitt, 13 kills Service: Sierra Wyborny, 21-for 21; Theresa Jones, 16-for-16; Mackenzie Thieman, 9-for-9 Aces: Mackenzie Thieman/Marissa Norby, 3 aces Digs: Skylar Schmitt, 9 digs Assists: Theresa Jones, 23 assists Block Assists, Skylar Schmitt/ Marissa Norby, 1 block assist

Rockford confident momentum will carry in to next week By Stephen Koenigsfeld sports@charlescitypress.com

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