The top-seeded Hinton volleyball team advanced to the state championship match for the third time in four seasons with a four-set win over Riverside in their semifinal match on Wednesday.
Hinton’s front row defense stole the show combining for 14 blocks in the win over the Bulldogs. Co-head coach Robin Mohr says that block also allowed the back row to play another great match.
Raelyn Kempema broke a 14-year state tournament record recording 10 block assists breaking a single-match Class 2A record. She says the block they put up forced Riverside to adjust their offensive philosophy.
The Blackhawks cruised their way to wins in the first two sets thanks to a 12-point streak in the second set. In the third, the Blackhawks fell behind early and could not recover. Coach Mohr attributes some early issues to the serve receive aspect.
Hinton’s offense was able to show off with a kill efficiency of .215 and having four different hitters record at least seven kills. Addy Ortegren led the team with 18 kills, and she says she had the confidence to swing knowing her team had her back.
Kempema was able to succeed offensively with four kills, and she says they catch teams off guard with how many weapons they have.
Coach Mohr says they do a great job of getting everyone involved offensively, and everyone responds to the challenge.
Ortegren finished as the player of the match recording 13 digs to go along with her 18 kills. She says having good rhythm with libero Brynlee Boeve in the back row makes things easier for her.
The loss in set three was a good reminder to Hinton that it is still a struggle to win at the state tournament. Kempema says that reminder is important heading into the state championship.
The Blackhawks are in the championship for the third year in a row. In years past, Hinton may have gotten pulled into a game they did not want to play. Coach Mohr says if the Blackhawks play their game, it is going to be a tough night for their opponents.
Hinton will square off with Beckman Catholic in the Class 2A State Championship match on Thursday evening at 4:45 PM. Coverage is scheduled to begin on KLEM at 4:30 PM.
