The Hampton-Dumont-CAL volleyball team battled from behind in each set, but earned a 3-0 sweep at Clear Lake in a North Central Conference battle Tuesday, as aired on 104.9 KLMJ. The Bulldogs won by set scores of 25-15, 25-19, 25-22.
The Lions had control early in the first set, leading 5-0 and 9-2. But the Bulldogs scored 13 of the next 15 points to take the lead for good in the set. Carrying the momentum into set 2, the Lions again gained an early advantage at 6-3, but were forced out of system on numerous occasions as the Bulldogs surged to the win. Trailing 10-5 in set 3, the Bulldogs scored seven straight for a 12-10 lead. The teams traded leads, but the Bulldogs eventually gained an advantage at the end to cap off the sweep.
“It definitely took all of us, and we did a great job working together and covering our tips,” senior middle hitter Charlee Morton says. “We knew we had to lock in and we had to keep on pushing it one point at a time and we did that. We knew not to focus on the outcome of it, but just working one point at a time. That was the biggest thing for us going down and I think that shows how much hard work we put in.”
Head Coach Sarah Miller says the team is building momentum.
“I definitely like the trend that’s going on right now,” Miller says. “I just think it shows a lot of the heart that the girls have. That first set when we were down 5-0, and I had to take that time out. I just said, ‘Girls, take a deep breath, play our game, you’re prepared for this.’ And I think they just have to continue to believe in themselves and just kind of do that reset. But they’re working really hard in the gym, and I’m just super proud of what they were able to accomplish tonight.”
Aubryee Showalter led with 15 kills and 16 digs. Abby Drier had 15 digs and the team had seven aces.
Hampton-Dumont-CAL (7-3, 3-1 NCC) will return to action Thursday at Webster City.
Charlee Morton interview:
Sarah Miller interview:
