Valkyries play shorthanded in away game against Florence

The Valkyries varsity volleyball team played shorthanded on the road at Florence to open the season Saturday, missing two regular starters to injury in a 14-25, 15-25, 18-25 loss to the Falcons.

The Vals recorded 14 assists on 16 kills in the loss as Madison Chappius had five kills to lead the attack while two others finished with four. Setter Jessa Newton led in assists with nine while Makenzie Holton recorded the other five.

Keyera Mauro led the defense with six of the team’s 21 digs in the contest while Myranda Gray added four. Gray also led the squad in aces with two of the team’s four in the contest.

Despite the loss, head coach Ariel Stallknecht has high hopes this season for her Valkyries, who return five starters from last year’s squad.

“I think we played a very good match and we were swinging well at the other team, we were just making simple little mistakes that cost us. We had some front row players who got some time in our back row and it is never a bad thing to get that kind of experience. They did well for not usually playing a lot of serve receive or defense,” she said. “We are missing a few key players right now, but I am hoping to have them back soon. We worked our rotation around a bit against Florence, but it will be nice when we can get everyone back on the court.”

The Vals play their first home match Thursday as they host Loyola Thursday.