By MIKE MATHIS
MUNSTER -- Another match with La Porte likely awaits in Saturday's Slicers tournament, but and Munster used Class 2A No. 3 Andrean as a tune-up Tuesday with a decisive 25-15, 25-9, 25-19 Northwest Crossroads Conference sweep.
"For three-quarters of my starting lineup, that was the best volleyball team they've ever played against," 59ers coach Grant Bell said. "They were scared, intimidated, and didn't trust their own training or skill."
Maybe it was Munster's cavernous facility that is bigger than some colleges, but it was likely the Mustangs' superior size and speed. Munster served aspirin tablets, preventing Andrean setter Madison Kmetz (seven digs, 16 assists) from getting into a rhythm. She never was able to use her jump back set, which is one of the best around. The pins weren't there and the middle was overwhelmed, only leaving the dink, meaning blood in the water for the Mustangs. Angela Majchrowicz led the Niners (7-2) with eight kills and eight digs.
Munster setter Marina Gronkiewicz was dishing butter to Lourdes 'Lo Lo' Torres with just one hitting error on the night. Iowa commit Haley Melby was more trouble and exciting 6-foot sophomore Lauren Wallace, who wants to be a doctor some day, dominated the right side. Last but far from least on the list of strong contributors was Libero Sarah 'Bear' Morton (Auburn). She used to leave her parents at matches as she carried a camera as big as her while roaming the sidelines by herself. Now a big girl, the USA Junior National Team member, uses an effulgent personality to love her team and her game.
The Mustangs (11-2) could be a year away, having lost at Class 4A No. 5 Crown Point and at No. 2 Penn, but their time could also be now as they handed the third-ranked Slicers their only loss in four games. They return to La Porte on Saturday, hoping to prove their mettle once again.
For local volleyball news, follow Mike Mathis at @mathis_m_g.
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