Strong hitting sparks PHS to EWC win

NEW HOLSTEIN – A strong hitting attack, led by Rachael Cecka, sparked the Plymouth Panthers to a 25-13, 25-19, 19-25, 25-14 girls volleyball win over host New Holstein Tuesday night.

The Panthers hiked their Eastern Wisconsin Conference record to 4-1. Cecka had a team-high nine spike kills, followed by Megan Flood and JoJo Egerer with seven each. Flood led in solo blocks with two.

“Rachael had a great match. Our energy level picked up when she was in there,” said Panther head coach Peggy Huhn.

“I was pleased with Megan. She hit very hard. Our offense looks great. “We responded well after losing the third game. I was pleased with the team overall,” Huhn said.

The coach said her team struggled with its serve receive and is an area the Panthers need to work on.

Emma Addy paced PHS in assists with 22. Clarice Hnilicka led in digs with 16 and shared the lead in ace serves with Flood at three apiece. The top servers were Michelle Hilke, 14-for-14, and Hnilicka, 16-for- 16.