The Iowa Falls-Alden and Clarion-Goldfield-Dows volleyball teams will begin the North Central Conference schedule by meeting in Clarion Thursday.
The Cadets (1-2) will have their first action in a week, having last competed at a triangular at AGWSR where they lost to the hosts and beat South Tama. As the team looks to find its stride, they’ll seek to connect on more attacks, having committed nearly as many errors as kills. With a height disadvantage up front, Head Coach Betsy Dunphy says playing strong defense is critical throughout the season.
“We’re very undersized compared to a lot of teams around the state with just our front row lineup,” Dunphy says. “And I got to give credit to these girls. Like they’re unfazed by that. I think they’re used to it. Because like I said, I’ve got a bunch of seniors and we’re not six foot tall. And we kind of joke about it in practice, like unless you guys are gonna grow six inches tonight, we’re gonna have to play really good defense. And so they kind of understand the assignment and they’re really kind of settling into that and being okay with that. Like I said, we’re more than okay being in that underdog role.”
Carlea Dagel leads with 19 kills and the team has served at 84 percent.
Clarion-Goldfield-Dows (2-3) began its season at a home tournament, where they defeated Eagle Grove and South Hamilton, and lost to Belmond-Klemme, #9 (1A) Saint Ansgar and Clear Lake. Head Coach Jessica Nail says they’ll look to turn the tables after last year’s loss to the Cadets.
“Last year we lost to them on the road, homecoming week, always a rough one,” Nail says. “So we’re definitely eager to get started with Iowa Falls and hopefully get that win this year, but I know they’re gonna be tough. I mean, they were coached well last year, they got some girls back. Obviously lost a strong hitter at the net in the middle. But we know we just have to show up every night and just play our best volleyball, play clean volleyball.”
Elliot Ennis has 23 kills to lead the team, the third-best mark in the North Central Conference.
Last year’s IFA win snapped an eight-game CGD win streak in the series.
Action will begin at 7:30 p.m.
