The Orediggers started off the season right with a record of 3-1 over Labor Day weekend at the Residence Inn and Courtyard by Marriott Oredigger Classic. Ranked #19, the Orediggers proved that ranking was deserved as they beat Texas Women’s University, Eastern New Mexico University, and Western New Mexico University with 9 unanswered sets.
The Orediggers hit .400+ in each of these stellar matches, including a .682 error-free set against Texas Women’s University. This error-free set was helped by Ellie Monarch hitting .647, and Abby Tiesman hitting .545.
The Orediggers dominated Eastern New Mexico, winning the three matches 25-11, 25-20, and 25-13, ending the night well. This was no doubt helped by Marina Hansen, who put up 42 assists with six digs.
The next morning, the Orediggers faced off against Western New Mexico, where Tiesman, Monarch, Lindsey Jin, and LaRose Currie all had double digit kills and hit .444 or better. Hailey Babcock had a career-high 16 digs, helping lead the team to another decisive victory.
Unfortunately, the Orediggers ended the tournament with their first loss of the season to #24 Northern State University. While the Orediggers took the first set, Northern State turned the game in their favor and took the next three sets to win the match. The match was not without accomplishment though, as Tiesman set a career-high 17 kills, and the Orediggers now are out for vengeance.
Be sure to catch the team in Lockridge Arena on September 19 as they play Colorado Christian University at 7 PM!
