Wolfpack Split Triangular, Winning Streak Snapped by Winnebago
Launch the media gallery 1 playerWolfpack Split Triangular, Winning Streak Snapped by Winnebago
The TCNE Wolfpack saw their eight-game winning streak come to an end Thursday night as they split matches in triangular action. TCNE opened strong with a hard-fought victory over Lyons-Decatur Northeast, but fell short in two close sets against the Winnebago Lady Indians.
In the first match, the Wolfpack rallied after dropping the opening set 20-25 to defeat the Lyons-Decatur Northeast Cougars 25-13 and 25-23. Junior outside hitter Joslyn Mackling continued her offensive dominance, leading TCNE with 9 kills, while fellow outside hitter Cora Ridenour added 6. Setter Ally Belt directed the attack efficiently, dishing out 16 assists.
The Wolfpack served tough from the line, racking up four aces—two from Maddie Franzluebbers and one apiece from Mackling and Belt. At the net, middle hitters Briley Anderson and Delaney Fuchser each contributed a block to keep the Cougars’ offense in check. Defensively, libero Emily Mitchell and Mackling led with 6 digs each, while Ridenour chipped in 5. Mackling also anchored the serve receive with 18 solid passes, allowing the Wolfpack to stay in system down the stretch.
The second match of the night, however, brought a different challenge. Facing the Winnebago Lady Indians, TCNE fought through two tight sets but couldn’t close out, falling 22-25 and 23-25. A few questionable calls in the second set swung momentum in Winnebago’s favor, sealing the Wolfpack’s first loss since early September.
Mackling once again paced the attack with 9 kills, while Fuchser added 5 from the middle. The serving game remained strong with six team aces, including three from Mackling. Defensively, Fuchser registered the lone block, and Mackling dug up 12 balls, followed closely by Belt with 9. Belt also tallied 17 assists in the contest. Serve receive remained a bright spot, with Mackling handling 17 passes and Mitchell adding 12.
Despite the setback, TCNE remains a dangerous squad with balance across the board. The Wolfpack now shift focus to a packed Homecoming Week. They travel to Wakefield to face the Trojans on Monday, September 29, before returning home for back-to-back matches—Tuesday, September 30 against Wynot and Thursday, October 2 against the Pender Pendragons.