March 18, 2024

Cardinals break long losing streak with victory over Greene County

STORY CITY — Newton High’s Cardinals had dropped 13 matches in a row after their first match at Monday’s Roland-Story Invitational.

They lost the first set against Greene County then turned things around. The Cardinals came from behind to defeat the Rams 15-21, 21-17, 15-12.

“The girls deserved this win. They played hard and were mentally tough in the third set,” Newton head coach Ashley Carter said. “Our passing really improved during this tournament and it made the difference. We are excited and ready for our home game against Pella tomorrow.”

Newton (3-14) takes an 0-6 Little Hawkeye Conference mark into Tuesday’s home match against Class 4A second-ranked Pella. Pella is 18-2 overall and 4-0 in LHC play.

It’s Senior Night for the Cardinals. The varsity match is slated for a 7:15 p.m. start in the NHS upper gymnasium.

Senior middle blocker Alexis Hoffman was named to the Roland-Story all-tournament team. In the two matches, Hoffman delivered 12 kills and put up two solo blocks at the net. She also had two service aces and had five digs.

Against Greene County, Hoffman had seven kills and her two blocks. She had four digs against the Rams and her two ace serves. Senior libero Carter Lee was credited with 13 digs in the match.

Seniors Lucy Lilienthal and Audrey Lucas each had four kills in the Greene County match. Freshman setter Kate Callaghan put up 12 set assists and put down three kills.

Senior Rachel Berkland had two kills and one solo block against the Rams. Senior Madison Bleeker had one kill and one dig. Lucas had six digs and senior Harlie Durr had four digs.

At the service line, Callaghan had three ace serves and Lucas had one ace serve.

Newton dropped a 21-14, 21-11 decision to BCLUW to open Monday’s action. Lee had nine digs and Durr had six digs. Berkland came up with five digs and Lucas had four digs. Hoffman and Callaghan each made one dig.

At the net, Hoffman had five kills against the Comets while Lucas downed three kills at the net. Bleeker had two kills and Berkland had one kill. Lilienthal made one kill.

Callaghan was credited with eight set assists. Lucas had one ace serve.

After Pella plays at Newton Tuesday, the Lady Dutch will be back in Newton to defend its Cardinal Invitational tournament title on Saturday. Also in the tournament are Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont, Boone, Grand View Christian, Carlisle, Harlan and Ottumwa.

Contact Jocelyn Sheets at
641-792-3121 ext. 6535
or jsheets@newtondailynews.com