The Hillcrest Comets found their rhythm Tuesday night—and once they did, they took flight.
Behind deep defensive digs, controlled first passes, and precise setting from Brooke Swedberg and Stella Moline, Hillcrest’s hitters spent much of the night soaring above the net as the Comets powered past Rothsay 3–1 for their first victory of the 2026 season. The Comets won 25–22, 16–25, 25–19, and closed the night with a commanding 25–10 fourth-set victory. The most encouraging development may have been how Hillcrest constructed its offense.
Rather than relying on broken plays or simply keeping the ball alive, the Comets repeatedly turned defense into attack. Hillcrest finished with 58 digs, allowing its back row to deliver playable balls toward the net and giving its setters opportunities to run the offense. Moline directed much of that attack, recording 23 set assists while adding eight digs and two kills. Brooke Swedberg contributed another 11 assists as the Comets distributed 39 assists as a team. Those passes created opportunities at the net, and Hillcrest’s hitters capitalized.
Elin Retzlaff hammered 12 kills while Elsa Retzlaff delivered 14, helping Hillcrest pile up 42 kills on the night. Aaveah Stender added six kills and was a major presence above the net with five blocks as the Comets finished with nine team blocks. The offensive production became especially evident late in the match.
After edging Rothsay 25–22 in the opening set, Hillcrest dropped the second 16–25. Instead of allowing the match to swing away, the Comets responded with a stronger third set, winning 25–19. Then they took over, dominating the fourth set 25–10, using increasingly clean passing and aggressive attacks to pull away and finish the night emphatically.
“We were excited to pick up our first win of the season tonight with a 3-1 win over Rothsay,” Head Coach Debi Foss said. “I’m starting to see more consistent play, which is one of the things I’m looking for from our team at this point in the season.” That consistency matters as Foss continues experimenting with Hillcrest’s lineup. “We’re still working through some different rotations and giving players opportunities to play in a variety of roles, which will build our depth as the season goes on.”
The numbers showed that depth was beginning to develop. Hillcrest totaled 58 digs, 42 kills, nine blocks, 39 set assists, and 13 ace serves, receiving contributions throughout the lineup as players continued settling into new responsibilities. Foss also credited Rothsay and Head Coach Tanya for providing the Comets with another valuable early-season test.
“Rothsay Coach Tanya is doing a really good job with her team,” Foss said. “It’s evident they have been working hard in preparation for this season. I’m thankful for another night of great competition, another opportunity to learn and grow.”
For Hillcrest, the victory represents more than the first mark in the win column. It offered a glimpse of what the Comets can become when defense, passing, setting, and attacking begin working as one system. Hillcrest will look to carry that momentum into Thursday’s conference matchup against the Underwood Rockets.