MITCHELL — After a slow start, the Mitchell Kernels found their rhythm and never looked back.
The Kernels dropped the opening set but stormed back to defeat Sturgis 3-1 (22-25, 25-16, 25-14, 25-16) in their home opener Friday night.
Senior setter and outside hitter Addie Siemsen led the charge for Mitchell, recording a double-double with 12 kills and 27 assists, hitting an efficient .524 on the night. Siemsen also tallied eight aces, helping the Kernels take control in the middle sets.
Senior Audrey Miller added 10 kills for Mitchell, while junior Charleigh Collins chipped in eight kills and six total blocks, helping anchor a strong front row performance. Eighth-grader Nia Talley was also a factor on both ends, contributing six kills, 13 digs, and two blocks.
The Kernels’ serving was another key to the comeback. They finished with 17 aces as a team, led by Siemsen’s eight and Kambyl Wede, who went a perfect 16-for-16 from the service line and added two aces.
Defensively, Mitchell controlled the tempo with 59 team digs, led by senior libero Kenna Soulek, who tallied 17. Talley and sophomore Londyn Hajek added 13 and eight digs, respectively, as the Kernels kept rallies alive and wore down the Sturgis attack.
Mitchell also dominated at the net with 13 total blocks, including six apiece from Collins and junior Kenzie Hetland.
The Kernels have four matches at the Huron Invite on Saturday starting at 9 am against Brookings. Mitchell faces No. 1 ranked Dell Rapids of Class A at Noon, followed by matches against Sturgis and No. 3 Northwestern of Class B in the afternoon.