The TCNE Wolfpack showed grit and balance on the court Tuesday night, winning both of their matches in a varsity triangular by defeating the Osmond Tigers in straight sets and outlasting the Randolph Lady Cardinals in a three-set thriller.
In the opener against Osmond, the Wolfpack set the tone early with strong serving and steady defense, taking the match 25-16, 25-19. Junior standout Joslyn Mackling paced TCNE with 8 kills, 11 digs, and 11 serve-receive passes, anchoring both the front and back row. Sophomore Maddie Franzluebbers was a spark at the service line, delivering 3 of the team’s 6 total aces. At the net, Briley Anderson and Samantha Rastede each recorded a block, while setter Ally Belt orchestrated the attack with 14 assists.
The night’s second test proved tougher as the Wolfpack squared off with Randolph. After dropping the opening set 22-25, TCNE stormed back with a decisive 25-14 victory in the second frame. The deciding set turned into a marathon, with both sides trading blows before the Wolfpack sealed it 28-26.
Mackling once again rose to the occasion, stuffing the stat sheet with 14 kills, 5 aces, 17 digs, and 16 serve-receive passes. Freshman Cora Ridenour had a breakout performance, adding 12 kills and 17 serve-receives, providing key depth alongside Mackling’s leadership. Belt dished out an impressive 29 assists, while Delaney Fuchser came up with the team’s lone block. Defensively, libero Emily Mitchell steadied the backcourt with a match-high 21 serve-receive passes.
With the pair of wins, TCNE not only showcased their depth but also their resilience—handling business in straight sets against Osmond and proving their composure in crunch time against Randolph.
The Wolfpack has a busy week ahead taking on Omaha Nation ins a dual at home in Emerson on Monday September 15th and then traveling to Creighton High School for JV and Varsity action.