Park volleyball team goes to 2-0 in the SEC

Park moved to 2-0 in the Suburban East Conference volleyball race with a satisfying sweep of rival Woodbury Thursday.

The Wolfpack won in three, 25-19, 25-19 and 25-18.

“I think we communicated really well as a team and we just played together and we wanted to win and we did that,” said junior setter Hannah Maxwell. “One of our goals for the season was to sweep Woodbury in three and that’s what we did.”

The Royals came into the game 0-6 overall but put up a spirted fight against the Wolfpack. Woodbury battled, but ultimately fell victim to Park’s strong front line hitting. Still it wasn’t a perfect night for the Wolfpack.

“I think we could have done serve receive (better) because it was kind of off and I think we could have done way better,” said eighth grade hitter Mesa Jameson. “I think we could have done better on blocking as well.”

Park improved to 2-0 in the SEC and 8-2 on the season, tied for the conference lead with East Ridge (2-0, 8-3), Roseville (2-0, 11-4) and Stillwater (2-0. 4-1).

“We have a team that really stays just focused, no matter what is going on, no matter what’s been happening,” said Park head coach Amy Johnson. “We just have a very, very tough mental focus and that we showed it again tonight.”

While the Wolfpack celebrated a sweep of rival Woodbury, the team is still a work in progress.

“Our passing was not its best today,” said Johnson.  “Our serve receive was off today and that happens sometimes. We’ll get back in the gym tomorrow and we’ll fix it.”

It took five long sets, but the visiting Park Wolfpack finally subdued host White Bear Lake in a marathon conference opener Tuesday, Sept. 19, winning 25-16, 25-21, 16-25, 30-32 and 15-11.

Park hosts Roseville Thursday, Sept. 28, in a key SEC showdown.