The Lakeland volleyball team bounced back in day 2 of the Raider Challenge by defeating the McHenry Scots 3-0 (25-20, 25-20, 25-11 and Region XII foe, the Lake Michigan Red Hawks, by a score of 3-1 (14-25, 25-15, 25-23, 25-21).  Against the Scots, the Lakers came out strong and maintained the pressure throughout. The first two matches were tightly contested. In the 3rd set, the Lakers continued the high energy effort and wore the Scots down to roll to the win. Against the Red Hawks, the Lakers fell behind early. During the break after the first set, Lakeland was able to gather itself and regroup. With a strong defensive effort and net play, the Lakers took set 2.  Lakeland then turned up the energy level and was able to take advantage of strong net play and passing to close out the Red Hawks. With the wins, the Lakers evened their tournament play record at 2-2.   

Against the Scots, Taylor Williams-Stevens had a team high 12 kills, 19 digs, and 6 blocks while Alyssa Lino finished with 6 kills, an ace, ad 6 blocks. Abby Karasek picked up 4 kills and 10 digs while Isabella Schulz recorded 3 kills and 7 digs. Zoe Babnik had a team high 20 digs while Samantha Winter had a kill, 7 digs, and numerous assists. Gianna Biondolillo finished with a kill and 17 digs while Ashlen Horowski added 10 digs in the Laker win.

Against the Red Hawks, Isabella Schulz led the way with 12 kills, an ace, and a block while Taylor Williams-Stevens finished with 8 kills, 3 aces, 29 digs, and 7 blocks. Abby Karasek (5 kills, 10 digs, 1 block) and Alyssa Lino (6 kills, an ace, and 5 blocks) continued their strong play while Gianna Biondolillo (2 kills, an ace, 24 digs) and Samantha Winter (2 kills, 4 aces, and 10 digs) played key roles in the Laker victory. Zoe Babnik and Ashlen Horowski both played fantastic defense and finished their afternoons with 25 digs.  

Players of the Day: Isabella Schulz, Samantha Winter, and Zoe Babnik; honorable mention Ashlen Horowski Coach Watts commented, "I'm really proud of them all - the entire team would qualify for this today!"

Coach Watts' Word: "Such great matches today - especially this second match against Lake Michigan. I was pleased with the grit and determination we showed. We really battled and played Laker volleyball today. It was great just to see us play together and take care of each other. We'll enjoy this today and then get right back at it as we have another nice challenge Tuesday."

Next Up: The Lakers will travel to Cuyahoga CC on Tuesday to face the Triceratops in a 6pm tilt.