Port netters fall to East

The shorthanded Port Washington High School volleyball team got swept on the road by a talented West Bend East squad last Thursday.

The Pirates lost, 25-14, 25-21, 25-20.

“It took us a while to get going. It hurt us not having two top attackers,” coach Paul Jungbauer said.

One Pirate was missing due to injury and another due to illness.

Jennacy Wille led Port in kills with eight. Elyse Karrels had four.

Sydney Hoeft had 12 assists.

Amira Szczepanski had 12 digs, and Wille and Hoeft each had eight.

“Those who filled in playing in different spots, they had their moments. They showed that they belong and they can handle it,” Jungbauer said.

The Pirates got aggressive serving, scoring nine aces against just three errors. Jungbauer credited Wille and Karrels.

“When they were back there, they were able to pinpoint their serves,” he said.

Serve receive was a weakness, given the lineup changes.

“When you don’t pass well, it’s tough to get into a rhythm offensively,” Jungbauer said.

Lily Bandle, a middle hitter who stands 6 feet, 2 inches tall, led East with 15 kills and two blocks.

Jungbauer called Bandle a “special player” and said the Suns have talent, but “It becomes a more competitive match if we do have our full lineup.”

Port was to host Nicolet on Thursday, play in a tournament at Wauwatosa East on Saturday and play at Slinger on Tuesday, Sept. 21.