LAKEPORT >> Before the Clear Lake Cardinals could turn their attention to Thursday’s big varsity volleyball match in Kelseyville, they had to first get past St. Helena on Tuesday night in Lakeport.
No problem.
Behind 15 kills from Kiana Richardson and 28 assists from setter Kylie Udy, the Cardinals beat the Saints 25-23, 25-19, 25-18. The win keeps Clear Lake (12-1) within a game of Kelseyville (13-0) atop the North Central League I standings with one match remaining — and that would be Thursday in Kelseyville.
The stakes are high for both teams. If Kelseyville wins, it secures a second straight undisputed league title and its third in four years. If Clear Lake wins, the two teams end up as co-champions.
“They’re ready to go,” Clear Lake coach Marci Psalmonds said. “They’re pumped up, fired up after tonight’s big win and can’t wait.”
St. Helena, the league champion in 2014, drops to 9-4.
Camille Donald, Corin Alakszay and Valerie Hutton had six kills apiece. Psalmonds also praised Madi Ferguson’s defense.
Clear Lake won the junior varsity match, 25-17, 25-5. Emily Keifer had 14 assists and Lilli Hill served 16 straight points in the second set.
