March 29, 2024

Stiff competition for Clarke volleyball

Clarke volleyball faced a tough week, going up against a strong Albia team and facing stiff competition at the Webster City Tournament.

The Lady Indians went 0-7 for the week. Clarke lost to Albia on Sept. 4, 13-25, 25-16, 18-25, 16-25.

“They had one outside hitter that I felt like my girls had a tough time reading,” head coach Tacy Jeanes said. “I think given another chance, the Clarke volleyball team could play the Albia girls tougher the second time around. They are a good ball club, and I think down the road they could be a threat for taking the conference title.”

Senior Ashley Gibbs led the Lady Indians with eight kills while also collecting eight aces.

On Sept. 8, the Lady Indians traveled to Webster City for tournament play, where Clarke dropped six matches — to Northeast Hamilton, Gilbert, Prairie Valley, Clarion-Goldfield, Ogden and Webster City.

“The teams that were there are by far the best teams we have met this season,” Jeanes said. “They hit hard and had great players all the way around. Overall, I thought the girls learned a lot from this tournament.”

The team collected 105 digs as a whole throughout the tournament, to go along with 46 kills. Clarke passed 87 percent throughout the tournament.

“We are doing good things. These girls are improving and becoming a better volleyball club,” Jeanes said. “ I know that our season hasn’t started like I or the girls hoped it would start, but these girls are sticking with me and learning every day.”

Clarke (2-13) hosts West Central Valley today.