Ladies volleyball starts new year “hot, hot, hot”

By Patti Stark

Port Rowan Ladies Volleyball greeted 2025 with a “hot, hot, hot” start. When the January temperatures go low the ladies’ temperatures go high.

Assistant Capt. Prout had a fantastic showing with 32 assists, and 10 digs; her 10th double-double of the season. Add to these stats two aces.

Prout’s court-mates contributed nicely. Meyers had a great night with eight kills on 21 swings, one ace and two kong blocks. Prout’s middle blocker, Billo, had five blocks with five kills. Bouck added three aces, four kills and three blocks.

Matschke ruled Prout’s court with six aces! Marcyniuk had a team-high 18 digs. Samson had a team-high nine blocks.

Johrendt countered with four aces, three kills, and 20 assists for her court. Dedrick’s night was epic with four kills, 10 digs, and six blocks. Hudson and Fick—-the Double Ds—each tallied 18 assists with multiple blocks with Dedrick and Haze. Haze contributed four aces. Robertson’s tally for the game: three aces, two kills and six digs. Truax provided six blocks, eight digs and two aces. Montrose ruled with six kills.

Highlight of the 3rd set: Prout ran away with the start of the set with a 4–0 run of serves. Johrendt’s side fought back, and won the ball, taking the serve away with Truax and Dedrick’s blocking. Haze serves for Johrendt’s court. Meyers takes it, sends to Bouck, sets for Billo, Spike! The Double Ds (aka Hudson and Fick) block. Point. Haze service continues and brings the score to 8-4.

The tempo stayed fast. Prout’s court brings it and when the dust settles the score stands at 18–17 with Prout in the lead. Hignett serves for Prout, Johrendt catches it and sends it to Robertson, sets for Montrose, spike.

Samson and Marcyniuk block! Johrendt digs for it and sends to Hudson, sets for Dedrick, spike! Matschke is under it, ball is too hot… ricochets off Matschke into the wall… side out.

Truax serves… Ace! Truax serves… Ace! Truax serves, Hignett receives and sends to Billo, sets for Bouck, and Bouck kills it. Side out.

Prout’s court hit the gas and finished the set 25–22.

Competition was intense (more so than usual). The ladies are back on the job.

Next outing, same time and same place. Ladies will be raising the bar as each strives to set new personal bests by end of season.

Stay warm and healthy volleyball fans.

Originally printed in The Good News, February 2025.