IOWA FALLS, IOWA -- Despite a record-setting night for freshman Emma Rosonke, the Ellsworth Panthers dropped a 3-1 match to DMACC at Dittmer Gym Wednesday. The Bears prevailed 25-13, 25-20, 26-28, 25-13 and snapped ECC's 3-match win streak in the process.
Rosonke had three blocks to add to her season total and now has 103 to establish the program's single-season record, two more blocks than Alissa Denn's 101 in 2013. Rosonke's coach Sara Jesse said the record is a testament to the work ethic of the freshman from New Hampton. "Emma is always coming into the gym wanting to improve and get better every day and she has been that positive spark for us this year," Jesse explained. "It is a well-deserved achievement for her, and I'm excited to see Emma progress with her time as a Panther."
Gabi Damiano had an impressive double-double for Ellsworth against DMACC, leading the team in kills with 12 and digs with 24. Yoliann De Jesus-Tejedor had 9 kills -- hitting .533 -- and two blocks, increasing her season total to 88 blocks, good for 4th place on the ECC single-season list, trailing only her teammate, Rosonke, along with Denn and Naomi Forgy, who had 98 in 2013.
The assists for the Panthers were nearly even, Hanna Forge leading with 18 and Nuria Bravo Santos adding 17. Jada Smith supplied 18 digs and Haley Forge 11. Eight different Panthers recorded at least one kill.
Ellsworth has a match at Marshalltown CC this Saturday and ends the regular season with a pivotal match at Iowa Lakes Oct. 27. Jesse said that contest against the Lakers will determine the postseason for her squad. There is currently a 3-way deadlock for the 8th and final spot in the ICCAC postseason tournament with Ellsworth, Southwestern CC and NIACC all tied. "Our primary focus until next Wednesday will be on winning that (Iowa Lakes) match," Jesse said. "Since the top eight in the conference make the postseason it should be exciting next week. Our match on Saturday will better prepare us for that final showdown and I hope we can use our momentum moving into our final week of the regular season."
