Clear Lake volleyball team faces tough competition

   The Clear Lake volleyball team continues to learn from some of the best.  The Lions finished their home season by facing No. 15 (3A) Algona, then competed against the Bulldogs again, as well as seventh ranked Sheldon at the Algona Tournament Saturday.  As the season draws to a close, Coach Scott Swenson put the spotlight on his teams’ only senior, Ryan Pierce, who played in her last home game and tournament.

    “Ryan is the only senior on the team and she will be missed next year for her play as the Libero. Ryan has always given a great effort for her team and school these past four years.”

Algona 3, CL 0
    Perennial volleyball powerhouse Algona swept Clear Lake in its final home game of the season Thursday, Oct. 13.  Algona posted scores of 25-14, 25-17, 25-13 for the victory.
    “The girls gave a great effort against 15th ranked Algona.  We saw first hand what we need to become by playing them,” said Clear Lake Coach Scott Swenson.  “Algona is fun to watch with their disciplined approach and attack.  If we continue to learn and make the necessary game time adjustments and eliminate our own mistakes, eventually we should be able to compete against the upper level teams in our conference.”
    Senior Ryan Pierce, had 11 digs and was 14/16 serving at her final home match. 
    Carly Ouverson had 14 assists and was 6/8 serving.  She set the ball up for Kaitlyn Pitzen, who had five kills and Jenna Peterson, who finished with three.  Pitzen and Peterson had 10 and 12 digs respectively.  Peterson was also 6/7 serving.  Taylor Julsen, Emily Willms and Jeanette Davis also had numerous kills and digs.
    Coach Swenson noted that Brianna Haugen,  Anne Tesar and Megan Kopriva all contributed, as well.
    “These three share starter and role player positions.  They are very valuable to the team with their knowledge of the game and willingness to help the team in any situation.  They provide a spark for the team when necessary.”

Algona Tourney
    The Lions went 1-5 at Saturday’s Algona tournament.  The tournament field featured No. 7 ranked (2A) Sheldon and No. 15 (3A) Algona.
    Clear Lake opened the day with a win.  The Lions topped Spencer in a hard-fought match, 21-19, 15-21, 17-15.  In the final standings, the team was tied with West Hancock. at 1-5.  Sheldon won the tournament with a 6-0 record for the day.
    Statistical leaders for the Lions included Kaitlyn Pitzen with 32 kills and 26/27 serving.  Pitzen also played good defense, making 26 digs.
    “Kaitlyn Pitzen had a great tourney,” said Coach Scott Swenson.   “She has  got a very strong arm and she likes to swing it.  She has a tremendous work ethic and a great demeanor. I was very happy for her this weekend because I know all of the time she puts in to be the best volleyball player she can be.”
    Carly Ouverson helped the Lions with 64 assists.  Her passes helped Jenna Peterson make 28 kills.  Taylor Julsen recorded 27 kills and was 16/17 serving with two aces.  Anne Tesar contributed 11 kills, eight digs and was 14/15 at the service line with two aces.
    Jeanette Davis had 26 kills and was 14/15 in her serving debut for the season.  Coach Swenson also noted - Read More Via e-Edition