Clare volleyball rallies for five set win over Gladwin

By BEN MURPHY

Cleaver Sports Writer

The Clare volleyball team struggled some early on in their home Jack Pine Conference match with Gladwin on Wednesday, Oct. 7. The Lady Pioneers in fact dropped the first two sets, but they were able to regroup in time, eventually grinding out a hard-fought five set win, 22-25, 20-25, 24-14, 25-18 and 15-5.

“We had an incredible night playing against Gladwin who showed up to compete,” head coach Erin Murphy said. “This was our best match of our season so far.  Being our youth volleyball night in addition to it being our homecoming week, the energy in our gym was none other.”

The first two sets were a tight battle, though Clare couldn’t get over the hump to claim either one. They hit their stride by taking the third set by more than 10 points, then kept up that solid play in the fourth and fifth frames to finish off the comeback.

“Our fans and our student section helped keep our momentum going, giving us the energy to turn it around in set three and battle hard to take the win against Gladwin,” Murphy said. “I’m very proud of these girls and the momentum we’re building.”

The Pioneers were led by Pamela Allen with 11 kills, Paige Allen and Lena Renner combined to get 15 blocks and Amelia Ryzyk had a solid net at setter, getting 30 assists, four blocks and two aces.

On Monday, Oct. 5, Clare lost a home non-conference match against Houghton Lake. This one went five sets as well, with the Lady Bobcats getting the edge after five tight frames, 25-23, 21-25, 29-27, 24-26 and 15-13.

Renner led the team with seven kills and two blocks.

“We had several great passes from our back row, giving Ryzyk the opportunity to set up our offense,” Murphy said. “Our serving game hurt us in the end but we’re looking to get back at it (in future games).”

Clare was at home against St. Louis on Monday, they played at Beaverton on Wednesday, they hed to Mt. Pleasant for a tournament at Morey Courts on Saturday, they host Pinconning on Monday and then head for Ogemaw Heights on Wednesday, Oct. 21.

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