Pirates drop another tight match with Glarner Knights

The volleyball rivalry between Waterloo and New Glarus has been must-watch entertainment this season. The two first met on Thursday, Sept. 12 at Waterloo. The visiting Glarner Knights of New Glarus had to scratch and claw to come away with a five-set victory.

The rematch, hosted by New Glarus on Tuesday, Oct. 8, was another classic. Again, the two teams battled all the way down to a five-set thriller. Unfortunately for the Pirates, the host Glarner Knights won again.

Waterloo started slowly on Tuesday, dropping the opening set 25-12. The Pirates recovered emphatically, however, to win the second 25-14. The third set was an epic battle down the stretch that went to extra points with New Glarus narrowly securing a 27-25 set win. Undeterred, the Pirates came right back to win the fourth 25-15. In a winner-take-all set, New Glarus survived 15-12 to secure the match win.

Sophomore outside hitter Paytn Hauptli led the team in kills with 13 and junior middle Nikomi Sullivan also rejected five blocks. Sophomore setter Mya Novak led in assists with 20, freshman defensive specialist Madi McCarthy led in digs with 12, and senior libero Emmy Novak served up a team-high five aces.

The loss is Waterloo's seventh in eight Capitol - South conference games this season. The Pirates have two more shots at conference opponents remaining on the schedule. Next up is a trip to Belleville on Tuesday, Oct. 15. Waterloo was swept by the Wildcats at home on Thursday, Oct. 3. The conference season will then end at home on Thursday, Oct. 17 as Waterloo will host rival Marshall. The Cardinals also swept the Pirates in their earlier meeting this season.

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Capitol - South conference volleyball standings

-as of Tuesday, Oct. 8

1. Marshall, 7-1

T2. Belleville, 6-2

T2. Cambridge, 6-2

4. New Glarus, 3-5

T5. Waterloo, 1-7

T5. Wisconsin Heights, 1-7