Slow start plagues Newton volleyball in loss to Oskaloosa

Newton’s volleyball team started slow in its conference opener against Oskaloosa on Tuesday.

The Cardinals welcomed back starting setter Macy Lampe from an injury-related absence, but the Indians spoiled Newton’s night.

Oskaloosa improved to 5-1 with a 25-11, 25-18, 25-23 road win in the Little Hawkeye Conference opener for both teams.

“We came out slow. It took us a set and a half to get going,” Newton head volleyball coach Heidi Woollums said. “Nights like this are going to happen. Consistent play and being mentally ready to play as soon as we hit the court will be focuses moving forward.”

Lampe dished out 22 assists and had three blocks in her season debut and Kadance Ahn blasted 14 kills and registered seven digs and two aces.

“Kadance struggled to connect at the beginning of the match, but by the end of the second set and all of the third she found her stride,” Woollums said. “Macy practiced for the first time in two weeks on Monday. She’s only going to relax and improve.”

Audrey Rausch finished with two kills, four aces and nine digs, Delaney Woollums put down three kills and added four digs and Chloe Swank collected nine digs and was 10-of-10 in serves.

The Cardinals (3-4 overall, 0-1 in the LHC) were 50-of-56 in serves. Chloe Rorabaugh put down two kills and Hailey Sumpter registered three blocks.

“Macy and Hailey each had three blocks,” Coach Woollums said. “As a team, we aren’t super tall so it’s important to watch the hitters and time the block correctly. Tonight, we were up early and coming down as the attacker connected.

“Chloe dug the ball well in sets two and three. Audrey served aggressively and had some nice kills at important times.”