Cards go 3-3 at host tournament

Facing some tough competition, the Newton volleyball team came away with three wins and three losses Saturday at its host tournament. The Cardinals defeated conference rival Boone in pool play and then defeated rival Knoxville and Carlisle later in the day. They lost to No. 5 Winterset and Harlan in pool play and were defeated by Boone in consolation action to end the tournament. “I thought we were sluggish all day,” Newton coach Kim Florke said. “I am not sure if that was because of homecoming or what.” Florke said she was happy her team found a way to beat Knoxville and thought the Cardinals should have beaten Boone twice. Newton defeated Boone in conference play earlier this year, but Florke admitted it is tough to beat a good team three