Newton volleyball falls to LHC rival Pella

PELLA — A new lineup and formation change proved to be a positive step in the right direction for Newton’s volleyball team on Tuesday.

The Cardinals did not come out on the winning end but played one of its most competitive matches since winning its home tournament on Aug. 23 during a 27-25, 25-20, 25-19 road loss to Little Hawkeye Conference rival Pella.

“The team played really well in the new rotation,” Newton head volleyball coach Heidi Woollums said. “We as coaches were very happy with how they played. They all contributed.”

The coaching staff switched the lineup from a 5-1 to a 6-2, which allows Macy Lampe to set in the back row and hit from the right side when in the front row.

Lampe finished with 15 assists, nine digs and four kills in the match and Kadance Ahn led the Cardinals with a 12-kill, 10-dig double-double.

Gracie Clayton and Haylie Ryan got extensive playing time for the first time this season in the new lineup. Clayton replaced Chloe Rorabaugh, who missed the match due to an injured ankle.

Emily Wermager was the other setter in the 6-2 and she finished with 11 assists and four digs. Ryan replaced her when she moved to the front row and chipped in two kills and three digs in her varsity debut.

Chloe Swank finished with a team-best 11 digs and Clayton, Audrey Rausch and Hailey Sumpter all had two digs. It was the varsity debut for Clayton, too.

“We had a completely new lineup tonight,” Coach Woollums said. “Gracie Clayton stepped in and played well.”

The Cardinals (3-7 overall, 0-2 in the LHC) were 56-of-66 in serves with two aces. Swank and Sumpter both served 12-of-12.