Aitkin at Pillager

Preview

The Pillager Huskies have been road warriors to start the season, as they hosted Aitkin in only their second home match of the year in game #14.

The wait was worth it as Pillager scored a four-set win, staying undefeated versus the Gobblers since their rivalry was renewed in 2023.

Aitkin miscues fueled a Pillager rally in the first set, when the Huskies scored 11 of the final 13 points after trailing 18-14 and secured a 25-20 win. In set two, the Huskies bolted to an 11-1 lead and didn’t look back, going up 2-0 in the match with a 25-11 set win.

The Gobblers reset and after a slow start in the third, pulled away with a 13-1 run to go up 14-6. Pillager had a small spurt, but it was quickly answered and Aitkin was on the board with a 25-15 win.

After a short back-and-forth to start the fourth game tied at two, Pillager score the next four points and would not relinquish the lead, putting together a 10-4 run to go up 23-13 and essentially close the match.

Pillager’s 8th grader Reese Shypkowski led all attackers with 14 kills. Kiah Dumpprope had 24 assists, 4 kills and 3 aces. Grace Featherston added 11 kills.

Aitkin was led by Eva Kalis’ 11 kills, Annika Kalis’ 7 kills with four blocks, Kate Palm’s 20 assists and Gabi Price’s 15 assists.

The Gobblers fall to 5-5 while the Huskies improve to 5-9.