Chisago Lakes Downs Big Lake in 5 in Conference Battle

The Wildcats hosted the Hornets on Tuesday night.

Chisago Lakes came into this game on a 3 game win streak, while Big Lake had come up just short in their last couple games.

Both teams started the game alittle slow out of the gate, and the teams felt each other out. Once the nerves were gone things heated up quickly. The Wildcats took an early lead but Big Lake was quick to tie the game. The set would be a forth tug of war in terms of the lead and momentum. Late in the set, Chisago had a lead and seemed near to closing out the set. Big Lake had other plans, they slammed the door on the Wildcats, mounted a comeback and won the set 25-20.

The 2nd set saw a major swing in momentum, Chisago would score first and they never looked back. They dominated the set, serving was a big part of them winning the set so lopsided. The Wildcats won set 2 25-8.

Set three saw the Hornets score first, and they were able to get out to an early lead. It felt like they had swung momentum back in their favor. They forced the Wildcats into some uncharacteristic mistakes and had them on their heels. But Chisago refused to go down without a fight, they had battled back and soon even took the lead. It was clear the next few points would determine the outcome of the 3rd set. Big Lake would score a point and take over serving. That's significant because, not only did they retake the lead, they also won the set due to the serving aces. The last 5 to 6 points nearly all came on aces for Big Lake, to help them win 25-22.

It would come down to the 4th, Chisago needed to win the set or Big Lake would walk away with the win. But much like the 2nd set, the Wildcats got into a rhythm early on in the 4th and got off to a hot start. This time around though, the Hornets were not going to let the Wildcats seemingly walk away with the set victory. They managed to fight back and get within a few points of the lead. But Chisago halted the Big Lake comeback and put the set away winning 25-15.

In the 5th every point carries so much more weight on both sides, whether you score the point or allow it. The Wildcats knew they needed a fast start to the set, and they did just that, getting out to a 3-0 before Big Lake scored. The Hornets were never able to swing momentum fully onto their side, and Chisago played nearly flawless the rest of the way. The Wildcats would sin the set 15-11 and the match 3-2.

The Wildcats now have won four in a row, and will wrap up the regular season next Tuesday as they host North Branch.

Our Pine Insurance Player of the Game was Chisago Lakes Kayla Larsen!