Lions have a tough week on the court

Clear Lake ran into a buzz saw of North Central Conference volleyball teams last week.  The Lions dropped decisions to St. Ed’s and Clarion-Goldfield.  Clear Lake is now 3-3 in the NCC and 6-12 overall.  Volleyball fans are encouraged to turn out and support the Lions when they host Algona Thursday, Oct. 10.

St. Ed’s 3, CL 0

The Lions came out on the short end of three close games with St. Ed’s Tuesday, Oct. 1. Game scores were 25-21, 25-20, 25-20.

“St. Edmond let us hang around all night and stay within range of taking over the sets, but we just couldn’t get past the unfortunate fact of beating ourselves,” said Coach Scott Swenson.  “Once we learn to become a consistent team and avoid the pitfalls of being inconsistent,  I believe this team can become very competitive on a regular basis.”

Despite injury, Bailey Kibsgaard had a team-high 11 kills and 11 digs in the match.  Katie Hewett came away five kills, and Lindsey Loudenburg had five kills and 18 digs.

“Lindsey Loudenburg has been playing rather well with her back row passing and also contributing with her swing game,” noted Swenson.

Kaye Faber helped the team with 16 assists.  Emily Phalen had 17 digs and was 11/11 serving.  Jeni Hamlin was 7/7 serving with two aces and Madi Faber was credited with 12 digs and three aces at the service line.

“We experienced a setback during the match with having Bailey Kibsgaard turning an ankle.  She continued to play through it and lead the team with kills,” said Coach Swenson.  “We are hoping to have her back in a timely fashion. If Bailey is out for awhile, this will create an opportunity for someone else to step up and take on a leadership role.”

C-G 3, CL 0

Clear Lake captured the first game, 25-22, but then dropped three straight to Clarion-Goldfield Thursday, 25-13, 25-22, 25-21.

“We played hard all night and gave a great effort without one of our top players, Bailey Kibsgaard.  She was out with a sprained ankle and just wasn’t able to go tonight,” said Coach Scott Swenson.  “We played with a lot of intensity and I was very pleased with our serving game--we only had one serving error.”

Emily Phalen led the team with 17/17 serving.  Madi Faber was 12/12 serving  and Sam Wilkenson was 11/11 at the service line.  Faber also finished with a team-high 19 digs, while Wilkinson had four.  Phalen punctuated her performance with   five kills and 13 digs. 

Katie Hewett had 10 kills to go along with her 10/10 performance at the service line.  Lindsey Loudenburg was also 10/10 serving with two aces.  She also put down seven kills and had 21 digs in the match.  

Other statistical leaders included Jeni Hamlin with 12 assists, 8/8 serving and 10 digs. Kaye Faber had 10 assists and 8/9 serving with three  aces.  Sidney Borrill had seven kills and seven assists on blocks with four solo blocks.

“Sidney Borrill really stepped her game up tonight at the net with her aggressive play on her blocking and spiking,” said Swenson.  “She has all of the tools to be a very good volleyball player.  It was also fun to watch Carney Frahm come off the bench and give us a real nice spark with her energy and effort. Carney has been a very good leader for us with her positive spirit and support.”