LAKEPORT — Though the Clear Lake Cardinals fell 25-16, 25-15, 25-22 to the Ukiah Wildcats in their season opener on Wednesday evening in Lakeport, Clear Lake High School varsity volleyball coach Marci Psalmonds said there were plenty of things to be encouraged about as her team embarks on its 2010 campaign.
“I saw the light at the end of the tunnel a couple of times,” Psalmonds said. “We had some good moments. We”re definitely scrappy on defense and we picked up a lot of balls.”
Playing a strong team such as the Wildcats will help the Cardinals down the line, according to Psalmonds, because a quality opponent exposes your weaknesses and helps a coach address areas that need work.
“We actually did better than I thought we would,” Psalmonds said. “They have one girl who was a blocking machine. She kills the ball pretty well. She reminds me of the (Maddy) Densberger girl from St. Helena.”
Jessica Asbury turned in a strong outing for the Cardinals with seven kills, two solo blocks and four assisted blocks. Vanessa Tullos added three kills and Morgan Psalmonds, a sophomore, led the team with 11 assists.
“She did pretty well at the net,” Psalmonds said of Asbury.
The Cardinals return to action tonight at home against Anderson Valley. Junior varsity action begins at 5 p.m.
Ukiah beat Clear Lake in two games in JV action Wednesday. Scores were not reported.
