Lions drop first round of Regional competition to Webster City

The volleyball season came to a close Monday night for the Clear Lake girls.  For the second time in less than a week Webster City edged the Lions.   Monday’s Lynx victory came in the opening round of Regionals.

Webster City earned a 3-1 win by scores of 25-18, 26-24, 22-25, 25-21 on their home court.

“The girls came out with more determination tonight, not wanting this to be their last match of their senior careers,” said Clear Lake Coach Scott Swenson.  On Thursday the Lynx swept the Lions 3-0.

“We tried to limit the in-system swings from Webster City’s big hitters, but were unsuccessful.  The Lynx play a nice middle back up defense that at times had us frustrated.”

The coach said he was proud of his team’s never-give-up effort on every rally and said the Lions fought hard to prevent another 3-0 sweep.  They won the third game 25-22 and tried to keep their momentum going in the fourth, but fell 25-21.

“The girls gave it their all and that is all a coach can ask for from his players,” said Swenson.

The Clear Lake volleyball program will miss seniors Carly Ouverson, Kaitlyn Pitzen , Jenna Peterson, Brianna Haugen, Taylor Julsen, Emily Willms, Jeanette Davis and Megan Kopriva.   

“They went from 3-27 in matches, 1-8 in the conference and 14-64 in sets in 2011 to a final finish this season of 17-15, 5-4 in the conference and 45-39 in sets,” noted Swenson.  “These seniors will be hard to replace.  They have dedicated themselves to the Clear Lake volleyball program. “ 

“Next season should be exciting also for the girls,” added Swenson.  “With junior Bailey Kibsgaard leading the group, Jeni Hamlin, Ivy Hogg, Madi Faber, Sidney Borrill and Emily Phalen will be counted on next year by the coaching staff, along with a host of other talented players in the program.”

Webster City 3, Clear Lake 0

The Clear Lake volleyball team finished the regular season with a 3-0 loss to Webster City, 27-25, 25-17, 25-20.  The Lions had a chance to avenge the loss days later, as they were scheduled to travel to Webster City Monday, Oct. 22, to play the Lynx in the first round of Regionals.  

“We were playing catch up all night long,” said Coach Scott Swenson after the first match.  “We couldn’t keep control of the ball on our side of the net and it is a game of quick tempo and rallies.  If you cannot control the ball enough on your side, you’re not going to be the winning team. We really didn’t move the ball around very well, so we could never get into an offensive rhythm.”

Stat leaders in the regular season finale were:  Carly Ouverson (23 assists , 9/10 serving), Jenna Peterson (10/10 serving, one ace, nine kills, nine digs), Kaitlyn Pitzen (nine kills, 8/9 serving, two aces, five digs), Brianna Haugen (19/20 serving, one ace, two kills) and Megan Kopriva (10/11 serving, seven digs. 

The loss put the Lions at 17-14 overall and the team finished 5-4 in the North Central Conference.