Kenosha, Wis - For the first time ever, the Parkside Rangers hosted an NCAA postseason game on Wednesday night. Parkside welcomed Davenport University into De Simone Arena, and Parkside handled business in just three sets.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
De Simone Arena had its best crowd yet, filled with students and supporters bringing the energy from the get-go. Early on, Parkside fell down seven points midway through the opening set. Thanks to a valiant effort, Parkside climbed back into the contest. Ava Irvin and Sam Fisch found their stride. Irvin had seven kills in the first set, including the four in a row to push Parkside past Davenport. Parkside won the set 25-23.
The second set began in a back-and-forth battle. There were eight tied scores and three lead changes in the set as a whole. Parkside fell behind 22-16 and had their backs against the wall. All of a sudden, they flipped a switch and it was comeback time. Kills by Mariena Coon, Elizabeth Truckenbrod, and Ava Irvin brought the team right back in it. Parkside's defense was a point of emphasis in the set, the team had five total blocks. Lindsay Krznarich was a brick wall against the net, she had three blocks in the set alone. Truckenbrod had a massive solo block to end the second set, 27-25 Parkside.
Elizabeth Truckenbrod took over the third set. The junior got it rolling and recorded seven kills in the final set. The set was close throughout, but Sierra Marshall put Parkside ahead with three straight aces that set the arena on fire. Parkside carried that momentum all the way home. Irvin's fifth kill of the set finished the job. Parkside won the final set 25-22 and completed a three-set sweep of Davenport University.
Parkside was brilliant at home all season, winning 11 of 14 contests in De Simone Arena. Parkside is now headed to Grand Valley State University to take on Ferris State in the GLIAC semi-finals. The match will be played on Saturday and the time is to be announced. For coverage of the game, visit ParksideRangers.com.
