Volleyball team faces powerful competition

The Clear Lake volleyball team took on a pair of North Iowa powers in a Thursday, Sept. 6, triangular.  Host Charles City topped the Lions 25-10, 25-9 and Mason City posted 25-9, 25-22.  The losses put the Lions at 6-3 in match play.

“Charles City is ranked number two in the state in Class 4A . They are a very well coached team and deserve that high ranking,” said Clear Lake Coach Scott Swenson.  “MCHS has been playing a lot of the best 5A 

schools in the state early on in their schedule, and it was shown with their intensity and competitive edge over us.  They, too, are well coached and have a lot of volleyball coaching experience on staff, with some very nice athletes.”

The Lions jumped out to an early lead in the first set against Charles City, but that was like waking a sleeping giant, said Swenson.

“Charles City exploded and took over with all phases of their volleyball game,” added the coach.  “They are an excellent example of how to play the game and for our program to strive for.”  One of the best players in the state, Jessie Sindlinger, led the Comets and Swenson admitted his team simply “didn’t have a answer on how to contain her.”

Statistical leaders for the Lions against Charles City included  Kaitlyn Pitzen with eight digs, three kills and 3/3 serving.  Jenna Peterson was 5/5 serving, had three digs and one kill. Taylor Julsen had three kills and was 2/2 serving with one ace.  Bailey Kibsgaard also had three kills and Carly Ouverson had five assists. 

Mental errors played a big part in Clear Lake’s loss to Mason City.  

“We were not consistent in the MCHS match. We committed too many mental errors and MCHS capitalized on those mistakes.  Good teams like CCHS and MCHS will not let you get away with that,” said Swenson.

Statistical leaders for the Lions against Mason City were Ouverson with nine assists, five digs and 7/7 serving.  Peterson  was 6/7 with an ace, one kill and five digs.  Pitzen was 3/3 serving, had six kills and seven digs.   Kibsgaard had six kills and two blocks. Megan Kopriva was 4/7 serving and had nine digs.  Julsen was very effective at the net with two solo blocks and two assisted blocks. 

“It was a tough day for our girls with some frustration and disappointment. This is a team that I absolutely believe in and I’m at the helm,” said Swenson.  “I was pleased to see a lot of long faces in the locker room that night.  That shows me that there is passion and concern on this team.”