By John Molene

In volleyball terms, Park has aced the start of the season.

A talented Park High volleyball team has opened the 2022 season with three straight wins, dispatching Apple Valley, Simley and Park Center, including beating Apple Valley and Park Center on the road.

Park topped Apple Valley in the season opener, dropped Simley in three games at Cottage Grove, then swept the series at Park Center.

“We are off to a great start,” said Park head coach Amy Johnson. “The girls are playing some great volleyball.”

Park defeated Simley 25-19, 25-20 and 25-20 on Aug. 31. The Wolfpack then dusted Park Center 25-9, 25-16 and 25-15 Thursday, Sept. 1.

“Addy Glide, our setter, is doing an outstanding job leading our team on the court,” Johnson said. “She provides us a consistent offense and gets our hitters in position to score. Her teammates trust her and that is huge in building a strong team.”

Glide has 75 assists in three games.

“Our back court defense is led by our libero Megan Husaby,” Johnson said. “She delivers defense and serve receive passing that really sparks the offense. Her tenacity on defense keeps us is rallies. She is joined in the back row by Skyler Croker. Skyler not only passes well for us, she is also able to deliver in the front row when called upon. Ella Hope rounds out our defense and helps keep us in the rally.”

Crocker has 14 digs on the season so far. “Our offense is sparked by our big three hitters. sophomores Carly Slusser and Sonja Lind and senior Kendall Lewis,” Johnson continued. “These three have been our leaders in kills the past three matches. Each provide solid attacking and really cause chaos for the opponent’s defense. They are able to deliver aggressive offense even when we are out of system. The offensive group is rounded out by seniors Camden Kemmetmueller and Juliana Field. Sonja Lind also provides the team with solid back row play. She plays consistent as both a primary hitter, but also as a primary passer.”

Slusser leads the team in kills with 23 and aces with 9. Lind had 16 kills and 7 aces to go along with 10 digs.

Against Park Center, Slusser had 7 kills and an ace, Lind 3 kills and 2 aces. Kemmetmueller 4 kills, Jenna Katlack had three aces off the bench and Hannah Maxwell had 7 assists. Glide had 14 assists in the game.

Park hosts White Bear Lake Tuesday, Sept. 20, in a match starting at 7 p.m.