Lion volleyball team keeps showing improvement

Coach Scott Swenson is a believer.  
    “We believe that the teams that stay the course and continue to work the hardest, will have  good things happen for them,” said Swenson.   “We know sooner or later, all of a sudden, we will start to get the breaks.”
    The Lions began to see some of that hard work pay off last week, as they challenged Iowa Fall-Alden and competed in the very tough Mason City Tournament.

IF-A 3, CL 1
    The Lions won the first game of their match with Iowa Falls-Alden Tuesday, 25-23, but couldn’t sustain the momentum and dropped the next three games, 25-12, 25-15, 25-15.
    Carly Ouverson recorded 23 assists in the contest, was 13/15 serving.  She also was credited with 11 digs.  Ryan Pierce was also strong with 13 digs and 9/9 serving.  Megan Kopriva made 12 digs and was 7/8 at the service line.  Emily Willms had seven digs and was 7/8 serving.
    At the net, Jenna Peterson had seven kills, Taylor Julsen had five and Brianna Haugen three.  Peterson also made 12 digs and was 9/9 serving.   Kaitlyn Pitzen had 12 digs and was 9/11 serving.  Jeanette Davis and Anne Tesar came off the bench to boost the Lion’s attack at the net with their aggressiveness.
    “The girls will weather through the losses.  I accept full responsibility for what goes on with this team  and we have been trying as a coaching staff to make adjustments to right the ship,” said Swenson.

MC Tournament
    The Lions went 1-5 and finished sixth among the seven-team field at the Mason City Tournament Saturday.  Clear Lake posted its win in the tourney over St. Ansgar, 21-16, 12-21, 15-13.
    The Lions were defeated by Waverly-Shell Rock (21-15, 21-4), Osage (21-11, 21-11), ADM (21-16, 21-17), Central Springs (21-12, 21-18) and MCHS (21-13, 21-19).
    “I was very elated for the girls after they took the match from St. Ansgar,” said Coach Swenson.  “I know how hard that they have worked in practice.  They kept their focus throughout the match and the end result was very positive for them.”
    The coach noted his team competed well in the first set with W-SR, which is ranked second in Class 3A , as well as against 4A Mason City.
    “I was very impressed with the girls on how they came into the tourney with great focus and energy,” he said.  “An example was Bailey Kibsgaard giving a great effort - Read More Via e-Editon