Cougars collect two sweeps, turn in strong tournament showing
The Central McLean Cougars continued their impressive start to the volleyball season with a pair of District 8 sweeps before facing a variety of competition at the Valley City Tournament.
Central McLean defeated Garrison and Wilton-Wing in straight sets during the week, then played four rounds Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Valley City Hi-Liner Activity Center. The week’s results moved the Cougars to 11-1 overall while keeping them unbeaten in both district and regional play.
The Cougars opened the week on the road Tuesday, Sept. 15, against the Garrison Troopers. Central McLean controlled the match on its way to a 3-0 victory, adding another win to its strong opening stretch.
Central McLean returned home Thursday, Sept. 17, to host Wilton-Wing and delivered another convincing performance. The Cougars swept the Miners 3-0, completing the two-match stretch without surrendering a set.
Head Coach Whitney Jangula said the Cougars’ teamwork has helped them respond when difficulties arise.
“We continue to work well as a team and push each other to overcome challenges,” Jangula said. “As a team, we are working toward playing more consistent volleyball and playing our style of volleyball. I thought we did a good job of that in both matches last week.”
After sweeping six consecutive sets during the week, Central McLean carried its momentum into a busy day of tournament competition in Valley City.
The Cougars began the tournament against Napoleon-Gackle-Streeter. Each team won one set, leaving the opening-round match tied 1-1.
Central McLean encountered a similar result in the second round against Wahpeton. The Cougars and Huskies split their two sets to finish in another 1-1 tie.
After opening the tournament with consecutive splits, Central McLean broke through with its strongest result of the day against Barnes County North. The Cougars claimed both sets for a 2-0 victory, securing their first outright win of the tournament and extending their unbeaten run through the opening three rounds.
Central McLean closed the tournament against host Valley City. The Cougars pushed the Hi-Liners to a deciding third set before Valley City prevailed 2-1.