Hruska did it in one of the first matches of her junior year as she notched her 1,000th career kill against Negaunee, resulting in a small celebration with her teammates.

The occasion could’ve been spoiled, though, as the Redettes almost blew a 2-1 set lead to the Miners, but outlasted Negaunee to take the fifth set 16-14 and the match 3-2.

“Negaunee always has a tough squad and they always have a very athletic squad,” Redettes head coach Ann Crandell-Williams said. “So I think we come in alert. We’re not allowed to get in the gym on weekends and I think this early in the season, it’s just hard when we’ve had three days of no practice.

“We felt very rusty and it took us a little while to find our groove.”

Marquette junior Seiler Hruska, center facing, gets a hug and the game ball from Redettes head coach Ann Crandell-Williams after recording the 1,000th kill of her high school career in a volleyball match against Negaunee on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020, at the Barb Krill Memorial Gymnasium in Marquette. (Photo courtesy Daryl T. Jarvinen)

Hruska led Marquette with 23 kills and eight aces, while Piper Lakenen had 31 assists.

When asked about her accomplishment, Hruska was happy she got it so early and said it was due to her hard work.

“It’s just a really cool accomplishment to get so early in my career,” she said. “A lot of kids don’t get there or get there barely at the end of senior year. So to get it as a junior at the beginning of the season means a lot.

“I’ve dedicated most of my life to volleyball. I go to camps. I move away during the school year to go play club volleyball. I just put in a lot of reps.

“And I guess the height helps a little bit. I could always have another inch or two.”

Marquette junior Seiler Hruska reacts after getting the 1,000th kill of her high school career against Negaunee in a volleyball match on Tuesday at the Barb Krill Memorial Gymnasium in Marquette. (Photo courtesy Daryl T. Jarvinen)

For the Miners, it was a hard-fought affair as they rallied after a rough third set to win the fourth 25-17, but fell just short in the fifth.

“It was back and forth,” Negaunee head coach Sarah MacDonald said. “Marquette played great, it’s hard to get the ball down against them. But I think we fought back and we definitely held our own. I’m happy with the effort we put in tonight.”

Allison Ennett was Negaunee’s offensive leader with nine kills, while Summer Dudo had 16 assists. Sierra Hendrickson was the defensive star as she racked up 13 digs and Natalie Bell had four blocks.

In the first set, it appeared as if the Redettes were in control as they held a 15-8 advantage with the help of four aces from Hruska. However, the Miners rallied, tying the match at 24-24 on a nice point by Ennett and won the set 27-25 thanks to an ace by Dudo.

Marquette bounced back in the second, winning it 25-19 on a Negaunee service error, and then dominated the third set 25-8.

The Miners wouldn’t go away, though. They took the lead in the fourth set at 10-9 and then stayed ahead the rest of the way, going on a 6-0 run to close it out 25-17 on a point by Ennett.

Ryan Stieg can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 252. His email address is rstieg@miningjournal.net.