CONGER — The Alden-Conger School District has something to be excited about tonight.

Not only has their girls’ volleyball team doubled their win total under first-year coach Jolene Bute, but the Knights also have the opportunity to do something that an Alden-Conger volleyball team hasn’t done in at least eight years: Win a second round Section 2A tournament game.

After winning their opening round game over Martin Luther/Granada-Huntley-East Chain in five sets, the Knights have drawn the No. 2-seed Martin County West in the second round.

“I’m hoping with a tougher team tonight, we’ll get into our focus right away,” Bute said.

The Knights boast the No. 7 seed in the tournament, but Bute feels like the team usually plays to the level of their competition, which should make for an exciting and competitive match tonight.

Alden-Conger has struggled with a few mental lapses at times with miscommunication and aggressive shots down mid-court becoming a problem that needs addressed.

“I’m really hoping Thursday we’ll play better than we did tonight,” said Bute, after Tuesday night’s victory. “We know what kind of a challenge we’re up for.”

The Knights had just played Martin County West in their final match of the regular season on Oct. 18. They lost in four sets, 17-25, 25-27, 25-23 and 27-25.

“We were really close with them,” Bute said. “We went four games with them and were close every game.”

Playing within two points of the No. 2 team in the section for three games is something that she hopes will give the Knights confidence during tonight’s game.

Against like-opponents Alden-Conger holds a 3-5 record, while Martin County West boasts a 6-2 record. They also have only dropped seven sets against those opponents.

They have struggled down the stretch as of late, staggering to a 2-5 record over their final seven regular season contests, further fueling the hopes of the Knight’s squad.

 

If you go

Who: No. 7-seed Alden-Conger (9-17) at No. 2-seed Martin County West (16-8)
What: Section 2A-south volleyball tournament
Where: Martin County West High School in Trimont
When: Tonight with the opening serve at 7 p.m.