CL girls split conference games in recent volleyball action

With another steady week of play, the Clear Lake volleyball team has already tripled their match wins (nine) from a year ago and are now 23-16 in set play.  The girls recorded a split with North Central Conference foes last week and went 2-3 at the Forest City Tournament.  

“The girls know that there still is work to be done, but we are showing steady improvement,” said Coach Scott Swenson.  Clear Lake fans have a chance to cheer on the Lions when they host Bishop Garrigan Thursday night.

CL 3, H-D 0

The Lions volleyball team swept North Central Conference rival Hampton-Dumont in a match played Tuesday, Sept. 11, in Clear Lake.  Scores were 25-14, 25-21, 25-19.  

“I was very pleased with the whole team effort.  The girls came out of the locker room ready to play and were energized by the home crowd and fed off their enthusiasm,” said Coach Scott Swenson.  “I know the girls were not happy with their performance at Charles City last week.  They came out with a little chip on their shoulder.  We were a lot more aggressive and more athletic then in the past.”

Swenson was especially pleased with the play of hitter Bailey Kibsgaard and back row player and passer Brianna Haugen.

“I was glad to see Bailey Kibsgaard attacking the net with her big swings.  She has a tremendous upside and is very coachable,” said Swenson.  Kibsgaard recorded seven kills in the match.  Haugen had six digs, a pair of blocks and a kill.  She was 8/9 at the service line.  “She (Haugen) has worked hard in the off season to become a better back row player and passer.  She has put the time in and is not afraid to fail,” added the coach.

Other statistical leaders included Kaitlyn Pitzen with eight kills and six digs, and Jenna Peterson with two kills and seven digs to go with her 17/19 serving with two aces.  Carly Ouverson was credited with 20 assists and was 11/14 serving with five aces.  Taylor Julsen had two kills, two blocks and was 5 /5 with one ace.  Megan Kopriva finished with nine digs and a kill. 

IF-A 3, CL 0

Iowa Falls-Alden took advantage of Lion mistakes and rolled to a 3-0 victory Thursday, Sept. 13.  The Cadets, who are leading the conference in wins, posted scores of 25-12, 25-13, 25-17.  The Lions dropped to 7-4 in match play and 2-1 in the North Central Conference. 

“We came out of the gates real slow and gave IF-A a lot - Read More Via e-Edition