Lady Comets Forge Unity in Back-to-Back Season-Opening Wins

The Lady Comets opened their 2025 season at home with two strong victories that not only showcased their talent but also their growing identity as a tight-knit unit. Sweeping Park Christian in the season opener and outlasting a relentless Underwood squad in their first conference game, Hillcrest is already proving that this year’s team is carving out a unique identity—one built on resilience, trust, and togetherness.

Earlier this week, Hillcrest returned to the court for the first time since last year’s run to the Section Final, where they were one win away from state. With a new lineup and a fresh rhythm to find, the Comets swept Park Christian in straight sets (25–18, 25–22, 25–17).

Senior captains Ella Knutson (7 kills, 18 digs) and Kenzie Miller (6 kills, 2 aces, 6 blocks) anchored the effort, showing steady leadership when the team faced pressure in the second set. Sophomore Elsa Retzlaff (10 kills, 11 digs) brought spark on the outside, while her younger sister, Elin, impressed with 7 kills and 5 blocks as an eighth grader.

The Comets’ setters, Stella Moline (17 assists) and Brooke Swedberg (15 assists), directed traffic with poise, ensuring Hillcrest’s hitters could break through Park Christian’s block. While serving consistency left room for growth, the opener gave fans a glimpse of a squad already leaning on each other and writing its next chapter.

Just two nights later, Hillcrest faced its first conference test against the Underwood Rockets, a team known for their aggressive play and relentless defense. After dropping the first set, the Comets dug deep and rallied to win the next three, sealing the match with a thrilling 27–25 finish (19–25, 26–24, 25–23, 27–25).

“The Underwood Rockets came out swinging with aggressive play,” said Head Coach Debi Foss. “They served tough and were relentless defensively. We had a hard time starting our sets strong and finding our rhythm early on. Fortunately, we managed to stay in it and chip away as each set went back and forth.”

Hillcrest leaned on their senior leaders in the comeback. Ella Knutson delivered 13 kills and 23 digs, while Kenzie Miller controlled the net with 9 kills and 7 blocks. Elsa Retzlaff added another 13 kills and 15 digs, continuing her strong start to the year.

Defensively, Chloe Walkup was a wall in the back row with 20 digs and a perfect 14-for-14 from the service line. Meanwhile, setter Stella Moline showcased her consistency with 28 assists and a perfect 24-for-24 serving night, aided by Brooke Swedberg’s 12 assists and 5 digs.

Two games into the season, it’s clear this Hillcrest squad is finding its stride by leaning into unity. They may not look like last year’s team that stormed into the Section Final, but this group’s reliance on one another, their defensive grit, and their willingness to spread the offense make them a dangerous matchup for anyone in the region.

“This group is unifying in a special way,” Foss said after the wins. “We have a strong base to build on, and the way these girls are leaning on each other already makes us a team to be reckoned with.”

The Lady Comets now turn their attention to the Pelican Rapids Tournament this Saturday. With momentum from two hard-fought wins, Hillcrest is hungry to continue shaping their season—and their story—as a team defined by unity and resilience.