BAXTER — Collins-Maxwell/Baxter’s volleyball program has come a long ways over the past several years.
In previous years, the Raiders wouldn’t have imagined being competitive in a match against a program like Roland-Story, but after Thursday’s five-set Heart of Iowa Conference thriller, CMB is feeling like it let one get away.
The Raiders (6-4 overall, 2-2 in HOIC play) won the first two sets against the Norse but lost crucial momentum and never recovered. Led by 18 kills and 30 digs from Alexa Whipple, Roland-Story came from behind to win 21-25, 18-25, 25-17, 25-23, 15-11.
“This was a tough match to lose,” CMB coach Scott Ranck said. “We are all a bit heartbroken right now. We fought hard tonight but just couldn’t finish. This was one of those matches we probably should have won.”
Unofficially, Brianda Bane led the Raiders with 12 kills and two blocks, while Payge Jurgens had 11 kills and Jordynn Wesselink finished with 10.
Bridget Hurley had a team-high 11 digs and seven kills, while Bekah Pearson added 10 digs.
Kathleen Baldwin finished with 22 assists, Toni Spencer and Sailor Hinegardner each had seven digs and Wesselink had nine aces.
“We wouldn’t have been able to think about being in a game like this a few years ago, but now we need to take that next step and start learning how to win games like this, and not just get close,” Ranck said.
“I am very proud of our girls’ efforts though. We are going to learn from tonight, keep moving forward and keep getting better.”
Roland-Story, which has won three straight and four of its last five matches, also got 11 kills from MaKayla Geise and 43 assists, nine digs and six aces from Lexi Georgius. The Norse (8-5, 3-1) finished with 11 aces.
CMB hosts Van Meter in non-conference action at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 28 in Maxwell.