Home Sweet Home: Comets Sweep Hancock in Conference Opener at Hillcrest

After weeks of waiting, the Comets finally got to hear their crowd in their own gym on their own court, and Hillcrest wasted little time giving the home fans something to celebrate.

Playing their first home match of the season Thursday night, the Comets swept Hancock in straight sets, 25-21, 25-13, 25-10, combining aggressive serving with improving net play and a balanced offensive attack to earn another Little Eight Conference victory.

“It was so good to finally be HOME!” Head Coach Debi Foss said. “It was great to be back on our own court with Comet fans everywhere.” Hillcrest made the most of the return, finishing the match with 34 kills, 42 digs, 11 blocks, 11 ace serves, and 29 set assists. Those are numbers that show just how complete the performance became as the night progressed.

The opening set required some work. Hancock stayed within striking distance, but Hillcrest established the tone immediately at the net with a strong opening block. That first defensive stand was more than one point. It reflected an area Foss said the Comets have intentionally emphasized in practice. “We started the match with a big block from our front row, and I thought that set the tone early,” Foss said. “I’m proud of the work the girls have been putting into our blocking and overall net play.” That work showed up repeatedly.

Hillcrest recorded 11 total blocks, led by Aaveah Stender with five. Kali Miller added three, Paisley Peterson had two, and Elsa Retzlaff contributed another. That presence at the net made Hancock work harder for every offensive opportunity and helped turn defensive pressure into transition chances for the Comets, after battling through the first set 25-21.

The Comets took control of the game after their mid-match huddle, laying down the second set 25-13. They went back into the huddle and then closed the match emphatically with a 25-10 third-set victory.

Four points separated the teams in the opener, and twelve separated them in the second. The pattern continued in the the third set, with fifteen points separating the Comets before they turned the lights off in the gym.

The Comets grew stronger as the match continued because of balance. Elsa Retzlaff delivered one of the night’s strongest all-around performances, leading Hillcrest with 13 digs, adding nine kills, six ace serves, a block, and an assist. She also served 14-of-15, giving the Comets consistent pressure from the service line.

The Comets took the game at the net, behind Retzlaff’s nine kills, while Emme Berge and Aaveah Stender each added eight. Elin Retzlaff and Paisley Peterson contributed three kills apiece, giving Hillcrest production from several places across the rotation.

Behind those attacks was a setting combination that kept the offense moving. Stella Moline finished with 13 assists, while Brooke Swedberg added nine. Moline also went a perfect 21-for-21 serving, providing Hillcrest with one of its most consistent stretches from behind the line. Emma Cossette finished 8-for-8 serving. Brooke Swedberg was also 8-for-8. Elin Retzlaff went 14-for-15, while Elsa Retzlaff matched that mark. Collectively, Hillcrest also produced 11 aces.

Foss saw the larger story beyond any individual category, where the Comets are beginning to connect the pieces. “At the foundation of it all is a group that is continuing to learn how to play for each other,” Foss said. “When we can stack teamwork with good defense, stack that with strong net play, and then add efficient hitting, that’s when some really good volleyball starts to happen.”

The Comets now turn quickly toward another demanding stretch, beginning Saturday at the 37th Annual Hawley Volleyball Invitational before traveling to Lake Park Audubon for a section matchup Monday.