Crowd lifts CL girls to new level

The Clear Lake volleyball team appears to be stepping up its game as the post-season approaches.  The Lions readied themselves for Regional play on Monday with a busy week against tough competition.  The Lions open Class 3A Region 3 play against Forest City Monday, Oct. 27.  Play will begin at 7 p.m. in Forest City.  The winner will advance to play the winner of the Garner-Hayfield/Ventura vs. Estherville-Lincoln Central game being played Monday in Garner.

Webster City 3, CL 0

The Lions hosted Webster City Tuesday, Oct. 14, in front of a supportive crowd that had not been treated to seeing their team at home in almost a month.

“We had a great week of practice leading up to the game, which helped bring a renewed sense of confidence into this game,” said Coach Keith Sears.

The match was closely contested throughout the night, the difference-maker being mental mistakes that came back to haunt the Lions.  The Lynx won in three games, 25-18, 25-20, 25-18.

Sidney Borrill and Emily Phalen led the team at the net with six kills apiece.  Borrill, along with Emily Snelling, Kaye Faber and Katie Hewett each had one block assist.  

Phalen was 12/12 serving with two aces and led the team in digs with 14.  Snelling made 11 digs and Lindsey Loudenburg finished with 10.  Kaye Faber had a team-high 20 assists.

C-G-D 3, CL 1

The Lions were gone again on Thursday to take on Clarion-Goldfield-Dows.  Despite falling 3-1, Coach Sears called the match a “huge turning point” for the program.

  “Our confidence from Tuesday night went straight into Thursday night against Clarion.  This season has had it ups and downs, but it seemed that this game helped our team to realize what we are truly capable of,” said Coach Sears.  “It was a hard fought match that came down to the wire, and Clarion capitalized on our mistakes.”

The Lions won the opening game, 25-19, but dropped the second by a score of 26-24.  The Cowgirls kept that momentum going in the third to win, 25-15, then held on for a third game victory, 25-23.

Statistical leaders were Emily Phalen and Katie Hewett at the net with 15 and seven kills respectively.  Carney Frahm dug out 22 shots, while Phalen made 18 digs.  Kaye Faber led the team in assists with 29.  The senior also had two block assists and two solo blocks.  Sidney Borrill made one solo block and three assists.

Emily Snelling helped the team at the service line, going 19/19 with two aces. - Read More Via e-Edition