Linn volleyball added three more varsity wins last week, capped by a Senior Night sweep of Russellville that improved the Lady Wildcats to 19-5-1.

Linn defeated Russellville 25-15, 25-15, 25-15 Thursday, Oct. 8, with all five seniors — Ali Russell, Nicole Grellner, Carley Brandt, Emma Rieke and Jorja Kempker — seeing action in the opening set and most remaining on the floor for much of the match. “The girls adjusted well and supported each other as some were in new positions they had never played,” said Coach Megan Russell. “It was a fun night for all, and I’m sure something the girls will remember forever.”

The Lady Wildcats finished with 37 kills, 14 aces, three blocks and 60 digs while serving at 94.5%.

Russell led Linn with seven aces while adding eight kills and 14 digs. Grellner had two aces and 27 assists, Kempker finished with seven kills, two blocks and 11 digs, Ames had eight kills and a block, and Brandt added eight kills and two blocks. Goans recorded five kills, one block and five digs, while Robinson added three aces and seven digs.

Russell said the seniors’ leadership has extended well beyond their production on the court. “This is truly such an amazing group of seniors, and their love for the sport is really something amazing to watch,” Russell said. “They have a drive to show up and improve day in and day out despite what is being asked of them.”

That investment also extends to their teammates. “They not only get excited for their own accomplishments, but more importantly they genuinely care about each teammate’s successes both on and off the court,” said Russell.

The victory added another conference win as Linn continued adjusting rotations in preparation for the postseason.

Earlier in the week, the Lady Wildcats swept North Callaway 25-19, 25-12, 25-20 on Tuesday, Oct. 6.

Goans led Linn with 17 kills and nine digs, while Grellner finished with two aces, four kills, 24 assists, and 12 digs. Brandt added eight kills and five blocks, Russell had one ace, six kills and 11 digs, and Ames recorded five kills and two blocks.

Russell said the district matchup provided a useful test before postseason play. “North Callaway has improved over the last three years and came out swinging against us,” Russell said. “It was nice to see the girls maintain their composure and play the long game, playing with confidence to get the job done.”

Several players also stepped into expanded roles during the week, adding depth to the lineup.

“Each girl is eager to get in and ready and waiting on the bench,” Russell said.

Linn opened the week Monday, Oct. 5, with a 25-7, 25-8, 25-11 sweep of St. James.

The Lady Wildcats collected 41 kills and nine aces while serving at 91.5%. Goans had three aces, 11 kills and nine digs, Brandt recorded eight kills and two blocks, Russell added two aces and seven kills, and Ames finished with six kills and a block. Grellner contributed one ace, three kills, 21 assists, and eight digs, while Strong had two aces and 15 assists.

The lopsided result also gave Russell an opportunity to use the entire bench. “All of these girls have worked so hard this season, so it was rewarding to get to see them all make it in the game,” Russell said.

Linn’s JV team also went 3-0 during the week, sweeping St. James 25-6, 25-14, North Callaway 25-19, 25-14 and Russellville 25-6, 25-11. The C team fell to North Callaway 18-25, 22-25.