CHRISTINE JURGENS
Eagan • volleyball
Eagan volleyball coach Kathy Gillen doesn't publicize her team's statistics often, generally preferring to let the Wildcats' play on the court speak for itself.
So when Gillen talked about senior right-side hitter Christine Jurgens' 38 kills in four matches, leading the Class 3A, No. 1 Wildcats to the championship of the Shakopee Tournament on Sept. 7, it spoke volumes.
"She expects a lot from us and holds us to a high standard," Jurgens said. "It just makes me want to be better."
Jurgens added 10 kills in a victory over Rosemount on Tuesday and 12 more to help the Wildcats defeat Prior Lake on Thursday, running their record to 10-0.
Jurgens' production came with Eagan missing its superstar setter/hitter, Kennedi Orr, who was gone three weeks leading Team USA to the gold medal at the Womens U-18 world championships in Egypt.
With a player of Orr's caliber gone, Jurgens said, every Wildcats player remaining elevated her game to compensate.
"Kennedi is so important both offensively and defensively, we all had to work hard and step up. Everyone's role got a little bigger," she said.
