LAKEPORT — Fresh off their victory in the Arcata Tournament on Saturday, the Clear Lake High School volleyball team improved to 5-1 in league play and 19-2 overall with a 25-19, 25-7, 25-23 victory over the Kelseyville Knights in North Central League I varsity volleyball action Tuesday night in Kelseyville.
Even with senior starting setter Sierra Bruch limited on the court after rolling her ankle during warmups, which aggravated a previous ankle injury, the Cardinals were able to sweep their archrivals in the minimum number of sets.
“It was definitely a team effort,” Clear Lake head coach Marci Psalmonds said. “The girls kicked in and were helping her (Bruch) out. They’re doing great.”
Clear Lake fell behind 16-8 in the third set before rallying for the win, which was a common theme for the Cardinals during their 6-0 run through the Arcata Tournament on Saturday when they rallied to win third sets in all three of their playoff-round victories.
Quincy Paarsch came up big against Kelseyville with 14 kills, 15 digs and an ace while Abby Mertle added seven kills and three blocks to go along with 17 service points.
“She had a great night serving,” Psalmonds said of Mertle, a senior middle hitter.
Also for the Cardinals, Montana Wells finished with five kills, libero Amber Smart had 16 digs, and the ailing Bruch still managed to register 30 assists and three aces.
Kelseyville, now 1-5 in league play, received 14 kills from Olivia Hommer, six more from Faith McIntire, and 24 assists and five aces from setter Jayden Paulich. Cali Schnabl’s passing also was excellent throughout the match, according to head coach Donelle McCallister. Schnabl, the team’s libero, added 18 digs.
“This is the best our team has ever played (this season),” McCallister said. “I’m very proud of our girls.”
JV match
Kelseyville’s junior varsity squad rallied to beat Clear Lake 21-25, 25-19, 15-10.
