Raiders sweep Mitchell to record season's first win

With strong front and back court performances from many sources, the Sidney Red Raiders volleyball team won their first match of the season Tuesday night in straight-sets over the Mitchell Tigers at Cabela's Gymnasium.

The Red Raiders handed Mitchell its first defeat on the year 25-15, 25-21 and 25-19. The win advances Sidney's record to 1-2 while MItchell fell to 1-1.

Senior hitter Abbi Porter was a strong force at the net from start-to-finish as she slammed down 18 kills and 3 blocks. The Raiders also scored 12 points while she was on the service line.

In the backcourt, Cody Rowley came up with 19 digs and freshman libero Maddi Porter recorded 18. Sara Mahr put in a a solid all-around performance with 6 kills and 12 digs. Mitchell also had trouble with Mahr's service game. Her hard overspinning jump serves led to 6 aces.

As was the case in Ogallala last week, Raiders coach Sarah Wilson started two freshman. In addition to Maddi Porter at libero, Annalise Lecher joined veterans Abbi Porter and Rowley on the front line. Junior Savanna Rosenbaum was substituted in early and played much of the game.

On the backline, Maddi Porter also had the company of a senior in Sarah Mahr as well as sophomore Emily Mahr. Cassie Jo Kennedy saw significant playing time in the backcourt in games one and three.

In game two Wilson weaved several players into the lineup including Vanessa Riley and NIchele Romick.

"We want to try different people in different spots," said Wilson of her substitutions. "It's something you need to do in case the need arises that someone has to be forced into a different role."

As for the action, Abbi Porter got on the scoreboard early with an overhand slam to break an early 1-1 deadlock. It was a scene that would repeat itself often throughout the night. Early on, however, MItchell was also strong at the net especially with Kady Lower and Morgan Michael.

In the opening stages of the contest, Porter had four kills in Sidney's first six points. Rosenbaum added another. At 5-4 Kennedy made a nice dig to keep a point alive that was eventually won by a Porter slam.

"The passes were there and the sets were there," said Abbi Porter. "We had good chemistry tonight. We worked very well together."

Though Sidney was working well setting up the front line, Lower and MIchael kept the Raiders from opening a big lead. But Sidney began to inch away. A typical point for Sidney came with the home side holding a 16-11 lead. Maddi Porter received the serve, passed to Emily Mahr who set up Abbi Porter for a hard slam.

"I love passing the ball up to (Abbi) and seeing her slam it," said Maddi Porter.

Said older sister Abbi, "We have a very good chemistry together. We're best friends. We used to play volleyball together in the front yard so we know how to work together."

When the score reached 20-15, Abbi Porter took over at the service line. She served out the final 5 points of the set including a game-ending ace.

With Wilson weaving several players in set two, the elder Porter spent chunks of time on the bench. Mitchell was able to keep the Raiders off balance throughout the first half of the game. The Tigers high point was a four-point lead at 7-11.

Sidney, though responded with a 10-point run to wrest control of the set. Maddi Porter's consistency at the service line allowed the Raiders to gain sustained momentum. A skillfull drop by Rowley into open space was one of the highlights of the run.

"It's a lot of pressure but I'm confident in what I'm doing," Maddi Porter said of being a starting libero as a freshman. "My spot is not assured, so I have to keep working at it every day."

Added Wilson, "This is the first time (Maddi Porter) has played libero and she's handling it very well. The junior high coaches do an excellent job of preparing these players for the varsity game."

Mitchell again managed to stay with Sidney in the early stages of set number three. But when Rowley scored back-to-back-to-back aces in a tie game (7-7), the Red Raiders never again trailed. The final point was scored with Lecher receiving the serve. She then passed it to Rowley who set up Abbi Porter.

Sidney is at Sutherland on Thursday in a 4 p.m. start.