Volleyball team is making strides

The Clear Lake volleyball team fell in a close home contest against Crestwood, but rallied for a successful day the at the Forest City Invitational on Saturday

CL vs. Crestwood

Clear Lake put up a fight when they hosted Crestwood on Thursday, Sept. 15, but in the end, Crestwood walked away with a 3-2 victory.

Clear Lake’s captured the first match, 25-23 and Crestwood won the second match, 25-14.  Clear Lake pulled off another close victory in the third match, 26-24, before Crestwood sealed the deal with scores of 25-20 and 15-12.

“We really struggled to start crisp in all sets except for set five,” said Coach Heather Johnson.  “We just can’t quite find our rhythm right now and that’s just how it can go during seasons.  We had a really focused practice on Wednesday and I think if we just keep on doing that things will start to click.”

The team was without senior Ava Richtsmeier, who was out due to illness.  Coach Johnson praised the play of Brooklyn Eden and Alivia Paine for stepping up and doing a nice job.

Xada Johnson led the team with 10 kills, while Carsyn Holland had seven and Hannah Blaha recorded six kills.

Forest City Invitational

The Lions had a strong showing at the Forest City Invitational on Saturday,

ending the tournament with a 4-1 record.  Twelve teams participated in the invitational.

“We struggled in our matches throughout the week, so we talked a lot about preparation, especially given the fact that it was Homecoming week,” said Coach Heather Johnson.  “They came out right away ready to play and did a great job continuing to compete throughout the day.  I was super proud of them.”

The team opened the day with two wins against Newman Catholic.  Xada Johnson led the team with nine kills, while Hannah Blaha sent down four.  Makella Jacobs led the team with seven digs.  Blaha, Lily James and Ayla Johnson all had one block apiece.

The second game was against Lake Mills.  The Bulldogs beat the Lions, 0-2.  Johnson had a strong showing, with five kills, six digs and three block assists.  Blaha recorded three kills and also had three block assists.

Clear Lake defeated St. Ansgar, 2-0, with scores of 21-19 and 22-20.  Johnson had nine kills and five ace serves.  Blaha recorded three kills, while Jacobs led the team in digs with nine.

Webster City gave the Lions a run, but in the end, Clear Lake prevailed, 2-1.  The Lions won the first match, 21-18.  The Lynx took the second match, 21-18, and Clear Lake won the final, 16-14.  Unofficial stats had Johnson with 12 kills and Blaha with six.  Jacobs recorded 13 digs, while Brooklyn Eden had nine.  Macey Holck led the team in assists with 13.

The final match of the day pitted Algona against the Lions.  Clear Lake won the match, 2-0.  Carsyn Holland had three ace serves.  Holck again led the team in assists with 11.  Blaha led the team in kills with six, while Johnson had five kills and six digs.

“This is the best we have finished in this tournament since I have been involved with the program.  That is another small sign of our slow, steady improvement,” said Johnson.