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Jacobs cruises past Bartlett in opener

Yes, there were first-match jitters and plenty of unforced errors.

But when the last volleyball was spiked Tuesday night, Jacobs' effort was good enough to produce a 25-10, 25-11 season-opening nonconference win over Bartlett at the Eagles Nest in Algonquin.

"We struggled a little early," said Jacobs coach Lisa Dwyer. "We had some typical first-match hitting errors. Once we settled down we played well at the net and our serve receive was excellent. We got some of the rust off tonight but we have a long way to go and a lot to work on.''

Despite the loss of standout junior hitter Katie Mahoney until early October, the Golden Eagles seem have to enough firepower at the net.

Junior hitters Kyla Fitzsimmons and Bridget Wallenberger (3 aces) dominated with 7 kills each.

"We will miss Katie but we still have a lot of talent at the net," said Dwyer. "Bridget and Kyla are very good hitters and played very well tonight.''

Junior setter Paige Queffelec was efficient with 14 assists. Senior libero Kassie Kasper, who will play collegiately at North Carolina State, collected 3 kills with 6 digs.

"We certainly had some first match butterflies and were running on adrenaline at times," said Kasper. "We certainly have some kinks to work out. We will certainly miss Katie until October. She is a great player and it is a great loss. But we have a lot of great players who can step up."

Dwyer appreciates Kasper's leadership.

"I couldn't ask more of a leader than what Kassie gives us," said Dwyer. "She is a natural leader and an awesome kid."

Bartlett (0-1) never threatened the Golden Eagles in the match, which lasted 35 minutes.

In Game 1, with the score tied at 7, the Golden Eagles seized control with 8 straight points. Wallenberger and Fitzsimmons had 2 kills each as Jacobs grabbed a 15-7 lead. The Golden Eagles won the game on a kill by Allie Campbell.

In Game 2, Jacobs started fast getting off to a 7-2 lead on an ace by Ester Onate. The Golden Eagles won the game and match on a kill by Fitzsimmons.

Keely Damm paced the Hawks with 3 kills while Andie Sobotka collected 2 kills.

"Jacobs is a strong team to open the season with," said Bartlett coach Katie Matt. "We need to serve better and have better communication."

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