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Hancock continues to grow, sweeps young Dollar Bay

Paul Peterson photo Dollar Bay's Natalie Maxson waits for a Hancock shot to come down in Monday's nonconference match in Hancock.

HANCOCK — When you have a relatively young team in any sport, patience is sometimes the key word for a coach.

Hancock coach Sarah Grieger would be the first to agree with that statement.

“We’re trying to learn from each game and each practice,” Greiger said after her team’s 3-0 (25-13, 25-13, 25-22) victory over Dollar Bay Monday night. “Tonight, we had some rough spots but still managed to come out with a win.”

The play of seniors Clariane Aquino and Jillian Parker played a big role in the Crimson and Gold triumph.

“Those two girls really played well tonight,” Grieger commented. “Clariane had 10 kills and eight aces and Jill had 10 aces.”

The Blue Bolts rallied in the third set to grab a 16-10 lead when Parker came up to serve. She promptly helped her team get even at 16-16 and the work of Parker and junior Emma Almquist (10 kills) put HCHS on a roll to finish things off. Rebecca Jarvi chipped in nine kills.

Dollar Bay skipper Erin Gast liked the fight of her team in the final set.

“I thought the girls stepped up and played hard,” Gast said. “And Bobbi Jo McCaskey made some good plays to get us ahead.”

While DB had no stats on hand, McCaskey had to be credited with several fine serves.

Grieger, whose 2-6 team will host L’Anse on Thursday in West-PAC play, said the seniors on the team have shown leadership.

“We have nine juniors and one sophomore on the roster, so we need some seniors to provide help,” she said.

Gast, who has three freshmen and one sophomore playing, knows her team has to have a top effort night in and night out.

“This was probably the worst we’ve played this season,” Gast said. “We try to play a smart game, but sometimes that can work against you.”

“We overthought everything tonight and Hancock took advantage. They (Bulldogs) have an amazing offense and their two middle hitters are vey good; we never see hitters like that.”

The Bolts will host Watersmeet and Lake Linden-Hubbell on Thursday.

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