Fighting Saints Shake off Slow Start to Beat Litchfield 3-1

KERKHOVEN, Minn. - The KMS Fighting Saints recovered from a slow opening set to defeat the Litchfield Dragons 3-1 on Wednesday, winning 16-25, 25-19, 25-16, 25-17. After struggling to establish a rhythm in the first set, the Fighting Saints controlled the next three with sharper execution, steady defense and a balanced attack.

KMS played flat-footed early as Litchfield took the opening set by nine points. The match changed in the second set when the Fighting Saints came out aggressively, built confidence and stayed focused through a 25-19 win. KMS carried that momentum into the third set, winning 25-16, and allowed one fewer point in the fourth while closing out the match 25-17.

Setter Leah Wagner helped drive the turnaround by spreading the offense and controlling the match’s tempo. She read the positioning of Litchfield’s blockers and moved the ball to favorable attacking spots, keeping the Dragons from settling into a consistent defensive alignment. Madison Silasdelivered a well-rounded performance with 20 kills, 16 digs and three aces. Silas attacked over the block and also found open areas of the court to keep Litchfield’s defense guessing.

Avea Finstrombecame increasingly effective as she connected with the setters and established a strong presence at the net. Vanessa Olson made the most of a start on the outside, giving the Fighting Saints another option in their attack. Emily Holtkamp served without an error, and supplied dependable passing and solid back-row defense.

KMS also received important work from the service line during key stretches. Ellie Van Heuveln and Sydney Everson delivered in crucial serving situations as the Fighting Saints maintained control through the final three sets. The bench contributed throughout the comeback with steady encouragement and loud in-or-out calls, helping KMS remain engaged from the second-set response through the final point.