Despite some serving struggles in the second set Sept. 15, the Morton volleyball team spiked East Peoria, 25-14, 25-16.
The Potters controlled the net and better took advantage of their opponent’s mistakes to win the Mid-Illini Conference meeting at the Raiders’ Allison Gymnasium.
Shannon McGlaughlin delivered 11 assists and nine kills, while Sarah Livingston led Morton with a pair of blocks and aces.
The hard-hitting tandem also shared team digs honors with four apiece.
McGlaughlin and Kathryn Hess split setting duties as Morton is running a modified 6-2 system.
McGlaughlin hits up front and sets when she is playing the back row.
“Right now, it’s our most effective option,” MHS head coach Darrin Johnson said.
McGlaughlin was pressed into setter duty at the Jacksonville Invitational when the Potters were shorthanded at the position.
But the Illinois State University recruit has adapted to it quickly, and Morton’s offense moved well against East Peoria.
A Livingston ace, McGlaughlin slam and Shelbi Ummel dink all occurred during a 9-3 Potter run in the first set that extended the visitors’ lead to 13-5.
Morton misfired on its first four serves and seven overall in the second set.
“We have to start minimizing our errors,” Johnson said.
Kelsey Kirk used a well-placed shot to give the guests a 9-7 edge.
After a deadlock at 14, the Potters embarked on an 11-2 spree to close out the Raiders.
While Heidi Schoenbein served, Morton scored six consecutive points as Livingston provided a kill and tip.
Livingston is making an impact as a freshman while learning a new position.
The Potters are trying to find ways to win more of the matches that are closely contested.
“I’m disappointed with all the close losses,” said Johnson.
A hard-fought win over a team that is equal to or better than Morton would help greatly, Johnson suggested.
Both underclass matchups went the distance. The Potter freshmen won, 25-15, 23-25, 15-11, while the East Peoria sophomores were victorious, 25-17, 24-26, 15-6.
MHS 25-25, Canton 10-10
The Potters dispatched the helpless Lady Giants Thursday.
Morton (7-7, 3-1) received 10 kills, five aces and two blocks from McGlaughlin, all match-high totals.
Hess handed out 10 assists against the Lady Giants, who lost their fourth straight M-I outing.
The Potters are in a three-way tie for second place with Dunlap and Limestone after two weeks of league action, with Metamora in the lead.
Morton and the Rockets were scheduled to face off last night in Bartonville.
Morton, Ill. —
