Grand Meadow volleyball team takes fourth in tourney

By Herald staff (Contact) | Austin Daily Herald

Originally published 09:26 p.m., August 31, 2008
Updated 09:26 p.m., August 31, 2008

The Grand Meadow volleyball team picked up a win, four losses and two ties at the Mabel/Canton Invite Saturday.

The Superlarks (2-4-2 overall) finished in fourth place as they lost to Lanesboro 18-25, 25-18, 9-15 in the third place match.

After winning the second game against the Burros, GM fell behind 11-1 to start the deciding fifth game.

“They controlled the momentum and energy in the first game. Our girls were a little slow with blocks and not hitting as well as earlier in the day,” GM head coach Michael Keefe said. “We bounced back in the second game, taking back the energy. In the third game I expected us to come out with that new found energy, but that didn't happen.”

Mabel/Canton won the tournament and beat GM 25-23, 25-8 in pool play. 

“We played Mabel/Canton first match and came out ready to play,” Keefe said. “We were in the lead for most of the first game, but played timid near the end. We ended up losing and were out of rhythm for the next game.”

The Superlarks only win came against Fillmore Central by scores of 25-17, 25-19; GM lost to Glenville/Emmons 27-29, 23-25, and fell to Rushford/Peterson 13-25, 16-25, and tied with Lanesboro 25-18, 24-26 and Spring Grove 25-18, 16-25. 

“Overall a good tournament,” Keefe said. ”We learned a lot about this team and what we need to do before our next match.”

Abbie Fay had 35 kills, 27 digs and served nine aces for Grand Meadow on the day, Jessica Benson had 31 kills, 45 digs, 11 blocks, and 11 serving aces, Kristine Gerber had 18 kills eight blocks, and five aces.