Linn’s volleyball team checked off a program first Wednesday, defeating Eldon for the first time in Lady Cats history as part of a 2-0 week that improved its record to 5-1-1.

The Lady Cats defeated Eldon 25-9, 25-11, 24-26, 25-14 after coming close several times in recent seasons.

Coach Megan Schaefer said Linn had faced Eldon during summer league and tournament play and had pushed the Lady Mustangs to five sets in each of the last two seasons without getting over the hump.

“We had a goal for this game coming into the season, and we were finally able to defeat Eldon,” Schaefer said. “This was a special win for our program and something these girls will always remember.”

Linn dominated the opening two sets before getting additional players court time in the third. Eldon edged the Lady Cats 26-24, but Linn responded with a 25-14 victory in the fourth to close out the match.

“This really was one of those wins you hope your players get to experience,” Schaefer said. “We have been working at this for three years now, so it is nice to see the hard work finally paying off.”

Kylie Goans led Linn’s attack with 14 kills, followed by Carley Brandt with 10, Nevaeh Ames with eight, Ali Russell with seven, and Nicole Grellner and Jorja Kempker with six apiece.

Grellner handed out 24 assists, and Lexy Strong added 18.

Brandt recorded six blocks, while Ames added two. Grellner led the back row with 25 digs, Russell finished with 18, and Goans and Kendra Robinson had 14 apiece.

Russell led Linn at the service line with five aces.

The milestone victory came one night after Linn battled back from a two-set deficit for a reverse-sweep victory at Owensville.

After dropping the opening sets 25-23 and 25-22, the Lady Cats won the next three 25-20, 25-20, 15-9.

“This was a great test to our team’s mental toughness,” Schaefer said. “After dropping the first two sets, we could have easily folded, but instead the girls stayed together, trusted each other, and continued to fight.”

Brandt led Linn with 12 kills and eight blocks. Goans recorded nine kills, while Russell and Grellner had eight apiece, and Ames finished with seven.

Grellner led the setters with 16 assists, followed by Strong with 13.

Goans and Robinson recorded 20 digs apiece, while Grellner added 18. Grellner also led Linn from the service line with five aces.

“I am proud of this win, but even more proud of how the team was able to respond when things weren’t going our way,” Schaefer said.

Linn’s junior varsity also went 2-0 during the week, defeating Owensville 25-23, 25-22 and Eldon 25-14, 25-18.

The C team fell to Owensville 25-16, 25-18.

The Lady Cats play at Southern Boone on Thursday.