Cobras earn first HVL win since 2014

Coming into the season, many thought that the Triton volleyball team would be one that was looking to rebuild. With nine new starters on the court, many assumed that the Cobras wouldn’t be able to keep up in a highly competitive Hiawatha Valley League.
However, things were different last week when the Cobras picked up their first conference win since the 2014 season when they defeated Pine Island in five games on September 13.
The Cobras got off to a fast start against the Panthers by winning the first two games 25-22 and 25-18. However, things seemed to go in the opposite direction once Pine Island stormed back for a 25-15 win and a 25-20 win. In what seemed to be a display of mental toughness, the Cobras bounced back and were able to score a 15-12 win in the fifth set to clinch the match.
“The match was awesome,” Triton volleyball coach Rebecca Goossens beamed. “I think the girls really started to believe in themselves after that match.”
Greta Rhodes was spectacular once again for Triton as she recorded 23 kills to go with 17 assists, 16 digs and an ace. She also had help from Nell Graham (10 kills, six blocks) and Kennedy Chicos (10 kills, five digs, five blocks and two aces) to earn the victory.
A couple of days later, the Cobras had another test when Kasson-Mantorville came to town in what turned out to be a raucous atmosphere. With the students dressed up in an all-American theme, Triton came out with plenty of energy as they battled in the first set.
“I have to give props to our fans for helping build that energy and atmosphere,” Goossens