Clear Lake volleyball team readies for post-season

The Clear Lake volleyball team got some good matches in last week before tournament time gets underway.  Saturday the team posted a 2-4 record in their final Saturday tourney of the season at Algona.  The Lions also hosted Humboldt in their final conference match of the season Tuesday.

Algona Tournament

Clear Lake earned a pair of wins over Spencer and suffered losses to Sheldon (21-11, 21-13), Forest City (21-13, 21-10), Carroll (21-8, 21-9) and Algona (21-9, 21-10).  In their first match with Spencer, the Lions 

won 21-6, 16-21, 15-13.  Then in the battle for fifth place the Lions won by scores of 21-16, 17-21, 15-11.

Statistical leaders included Bailey Kibsgaard and Emily Phalen with 22 and 19 kills respectively.  Madi Faber paced the team with 54 digs, while Lindsey Loudenburg had 48.  Kaye Faber had the most assists with 31.  Kibsgaard was also 25/26 from the service line with two aces.

“We played against some very highly competitive teams and I was very pleased with the intensity and enthusiasm that the girls showed in their last Saturday tournament for the year,” said Coach Scott Swenson.  “Our three seniors who played, along with Ivy Hogg on the bench, have provided great leadership all season long. “

HUMBOLDT 3, CL 0

The Lions tested their mettle against Humboldt in their final home match of the season Tuesday, Oct. 22.  The Wildcats prevailed, 25-17, 19-25, 25-13, 25-16.

“We played one of the leaders of the North Central Conference and being able to compete with them three out of four sets-- and even winning set number two, is going to be very helpful for us come tournament time,” said Coach Scott Swenson.

The loss put the lions at 6-20 in match play and 3-5 in NCC action.

Bailey Kibsgaard recorded nine kills and was 11/11 serving in the match.  Emily Phalen had seven kills and 20 digs, while Lindsay Loudenburg put down six kills and was 10/11 serving with an ace.  She also had a team-high 18 digs.

Kaye Faber was 14/15 serving and helped the team with 20 assists.  Madi Faber was also tough on defense with 16 digs. Jeni Hamlin had six assists and four aces.  Katie Hewett was credited with two solo blocks.

Coach Swenson also noted Ivy Hogg made her first appearance for the team this season and was 13/14 with two aces.

“Ivy has been out with a knee injury and has been cleared to play, and she was a significant spark for the team,” said Swenson.  “This was also the last home match for four seniors, Bailey, Jeni, Madi and Ivy.  These four volleyball players are going to be greatly missed by me and the coaching staff. They represent hard work and resiliency.  I mentioned to the underclassmen after the match that I hope they were paying attention to these four seniors and their never-give-up attitude.”

The Lions were slated to wrap-up their regular season Tuesday, Oct. 22, at Webster City.  They will begin tournament play Monday, Oct. 28, against Garner-Hayfield/Ventura.  That match will be played at 7 p.m. at Garner.