(Sentinel photo by Roy Tucker) Le Mars' Emily TeBrink dug up 10 hits in the Lady Bulldogs' home opener Thursday evening as Le Mars fell 3-1 to Sioux City East. [Click to enlarge]

The ninth-ranked Le Mars volleyball squad dropped its first match of the season Thursday night as the Lady Bulldogs hosted Sioux City East in their home opener.

But the Black Raiders packed quite a punch as they knocked off the Lady Bulldogs 3-1. East dominated the first game, winning easily 25-12.

"We just haven't had hitters hit at us like that," Le Mars coach Susan Irwin said. "Our defense wasn't used to covering so tight under our blockers."

But in the next two games, Irwin said, "We really battled."

Le Mars lost game two, but the Lady 'Dogs fought for each point, pushing the game into extra points before East prevailed, 26-24.

Finally, in game three, Le Mars got on the positive side of the board, edging out the Black Raiders 25-23 to force a fourth game.

But four games were all that would be played as East answered Le Mars' win with a 25-18 win to seal the match victory, 3-1.

Despite the loss, Irwin was more than pleased with her squad's efforts. "East was the first 4A school we've played this year," she said. "They never slowed down and they were constantly hitting at us, blocking and throwing stuff at us that we weren't used to. That first game got us down, but we came back and proved how well we can play."

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Irwin credited several members of her squad with playing phenomenal volleyball, including senior Kaylee Thompson. Thompson led the Lady Bulldogs with a team-high 12 kills on the night as well as four blocks on defense at the net.

"Molly Fischer really shined tonight and did a nice job," Irwin said. Fischer totaled 19 assists while her co-setter Amy Lubben dished up 16 assists.

Irwin's setters led the squad in the serving spot as well. Lubben sent seven aces soaring while Fischer recorded six ace serves. Lubben rounded out her fantastic performance with a team-high 13 digs on defense.

"Emily TeBrink did a phenomenal job responding to East's play," Irwin said. "She was all over the place tonight." The senior totaled 10 digs on the night.

Libero Cassie Kuiken added nine digs. "Cassie came around and did a nice job passing in the end too," Irwin said.

Other statistical leaders for Le Mars included Tara Lehner and Kirstie Ruhland, who each smacked down seven kills on the night. Kelby Klein matched Thompson at the net with four blocks.

The Lady Bulldogs look to rebound from Thursday's loss as they host the Le Mars Invitational tournament on Saturday.

Pool play will begin at 9 a.m. Three pools with three teams each will battle each other throughout the morning before competing in championship brackets in the afternoon.

The top team in each pool will advance to the championship pool. Second and third place teams will each play in a consolation bracket. Each team will play four matches in the tournament.

Featured schools at this weekend's tournament include River Valley, Granville Spalding, Akron-Westfield, Woodbury Central, South Sioux City, Hinton, Lawton-Bronson and South O'Brien. River Valley and Granville Spalding are in Le Mars' pool.

After Saturday's tournament, Le Mars - now 8-1 - will be off until Thursday when they travel to Spencer for a Lakes Conference match.