The Mt. Pulaski Hilltoppers were unable to slow down Hartsburg-Emden on Wednesday night, as the Stags came away with a straight-set 25-13, 25-10 victory in Tomahawk Conference action.
Mt. Pulaski entered the match coming off a three-set victory over Springfield Lutheran, but Hartsburg-Emden established control early Wednesday. The Stags entered the matchup with a 12-6 record and had already collected several notable victories during September.
The Hilltoppers battled throughout the opening set, but Hartsburg-Emden was able to create separation and take the first frame, 25-13. With a one-set advantage, the Stags carried their momentum into the second and kept Mt. Pulaski from finding the run it needed to turn the match around.
Hartsburg-Emden closed out the night with a 25-10 victory in the second set, securing the 2-0 sweep.
Mt. Pulaski’s back row stayed busy against the Stags’ attack. Eva Leonard had 20 Digs, Elyssa Marten and Addison Copeland had 4 Digs, and Audrey Cooper had 4 assists in Wednesday’s game.
For the Stags, Wednesday’s victory continued a season in which Hartsburg-Emden has received strong production from several players. Cambelle Hopkins has been one of the team’s leading attackers, while Emma Eeten has been a presence at the net and Allie Grelck has helped direct the offense. Those are season-level statistics rather than numbers specifically from Wednesday’s match.
The loss dropped Mt. Pulaski to 5-15 overall and 0-3 in conference play. The Hilltoppers have a quick turnaround, with a road match against Illini Bluffs scheduled for Thursday.
FINAL: Hartsburg-Emden def. Mt. Pulaski, 2-0
Set 1: Hartsburg-Emden 25, Mt. Pulaski 13
Set 2: Hartsburg-Emden 25, Mt. Pulaski 10
