BMS 8th grade VB wins battle of unbeatens vs. ND; 7th grade completes sweep

The Batesville Middle School 8th grade Volleyball team knocked off North Decatur 25-16, 25-6 Tuesday night in a battle of previously undefeated teams.

Caitlyn Fox (11 points and 3 aces). Brooke Wilhelm (8 points and 3 aces), Maddie Haskamp (7 points and 1 ace), and Mimi Smith (6 points and 3 aces to close out set one) were the top servers for the evening.

Wilhelm led the balanced offensive attack, collecting 7 kills in 12 swings; Haskamp earned 6 kills in 10 attempts; Lefty Leigh Hertel picked up 3 kills in 5 swings, while Sydney Campbell earned 2 kills in 4 attempts; Alexis Gallagher and Fox each chipped in with a kill in the front line.

Madilyn Meyer, Eliza Weiler, and Smith were consistent passers, while Fox and Wilhelm successfully set up the Bulldog attack.

The BMS 7th graders stepped up and played aggressively to defeat North Decatur 25-15, 25-19 to complete the sweep.

The Bulldogs were 27 for 30 in attacks.

The team was led by Molly Gesell with 3 kills; Jolene Dirkhising earned 2 kills, and Madi Dierckman, Katie Wilhelm, Leah Meyer, and Ellie Walke each had a kill.

The team also continued with good serves. Dierckman led with 20 points including 11 aces; Isabel Meyer and Jersey Trenkamp each earned 4 points for the Bulldogs; Katie Wilhelm chipped in 3 points; Payton Yorn earned 2 points and Leah Meyer had a point.

Abby Miller, Cora Miller, and Marley Denny all contributed with their passing skills.

Both teams will be back in action at home Thursday versus Milan.

(We thank Batesville Middle School 7th grade coach Angie Ehrman and BMS 8th grade coach Shelly Prickel for the story information)