(Sentinel photo by Bethany Kroeze) Le Mars' Molly Fischer digs up a hit against Pella Christian during the Silver Pool Saturday afternoon in Hull. [Click to enlarge]

The Le Mars volleyball squad played hard as they battled through the long day Saturday in Hull. The Lady Bulldogs finished 3-3 on the day at Western Christian's Clearview Classic volleyball tournament.

Le Mars started the day bright and early with a game against MOC-Floyd Valley at 8:30 a.m. The early morning did not bother the Lady Bulldogs, however, as they defeated the Lady Dutch for the second time this season. The Lady Bulldogs rolled to a quick 21-11 victory in game one before winning game two 21-18 to start the day with a solid match win.

After a one-match rest, Le Mars was back in action against Class 3A No. 3 Sioux City Heelan. The Lady Bulldogs fought hard against the Crusaders, who won the first game 21-16. Le Mars continued the fight in game two, but Heelan came away with the match win with a 21-17 victory in game two.

(Sentinel photo by Bethany Kroeze) Le Mars' Kelby Klein blocks a hit against MOC-Floyd Valley Saturday morning in Hull. Middle hitter Kaylee Thompson is there to assist the junior outside hitter on the block. [Click to enlarge]

In the third game of pool play, Le Mars faced off with Unity Christian. An anticipated rematch after the Knights defeated the Lady Bulldogs 2-0 at their tournament in Orange City a few weeks ago, Le Mars served up a solid win in game one, defeating Unity 21-8. But Unity fought back to win game two 21-15. Game three was a back-and-forth battle between the two squads. Unfortunately for Le Mars, the Knights wound up on the better side of things with a 15-11 win.

A 1-2 posting in the morning pool play advanced Le Mars into the Silver Pool following the lunch break.

The Lady Bulldogs got an extended lunch hour as they had the first game of the afternoon free. Le Mars started the afternoon play against Harlan in an exciting match.

The Cyclones edged the Lady Bulldogs in game one with a 21-19 win. But Le Mars continued to fight en route to a 21-16 win in game two, forcing the third game. Game three continued the intensity as the points went back-and-forth throughout the battle. Le Mars stayed strong to win 16-14 and take the match 2-1.

Next the Lady Bulldogs faced off against Class 2A No. 6 Pella Christian. Le Mars had an early edge in game one but the Eagles bounded back to win 21-17. Pella Christian carried the momentum over from the first game win to defeat Le Mars 21-7 in game two.

To cap of the tournament, Le Mars found themselves in a familiar match as they faced MOC-FV for the second time of the day. The Lady Bulldogs remained strong as they took on the Lady Dutch, edging to a 21-19 win in game one. Le Mars completed the sweep with a 21-15 win in game two to win the match.

Le Mars will see the Dutch again in a couple weeks as the two squads are paired off in the quarterfinal round of the regional tournament. The squads previously competed at MOC-FV's tournament in the first game of Le Mars' season.

After finishing 2-1 in the Silver Pool, Le Mars ended the day with a 3-3 record.

"We have not played a full day like that yet," Le Mars coach Susan Irwin said. "Our legs were hurting. It was a good experience for us and we did a good job."

The Lady Bulldogs posted excellent numbers from the service line in the tournament. Molly Fischer led the squad with 10 aces as she nailed 59-66 serves on the day. "That's phenomenal," Irwin said of the setter.

Cassie Kuiken was 38-43 from the service line. "She had a great day also," Irwin said. The senior libero smacked in five aces in the tournament.

Kirstie Ruhland also recorded five aces on the day as she was 20-26 from the service line. Emily TeBrink (39-44) added two aces.

Kaylee Thompson led the Lady Bulldog offense from the net, raining down 23 kills in the tournament. TeBrink smacked in 17 while Ruhland pounded down 14. Amy Lubben added 11 kills from the setter's position.

Lubben totaled 36 assists in the match while Fischer dished out 27.

On defense, Tara Lehner totaled seven blocks, four of which were solo blocks. "She did a great job following the net and reading the hits," Irwin said.

Lubben totaled seven blocks on the day while Thompson blocked 15 hits, including five solo blocks. Ruhland and TeBrink each assisted on three blocks.

In the back row, Kuiken dug out 34 balls on the day. TeBrink added 26 digs and Fischer had 24 to lead the Lady Bulldogs. Natalie Miller dug up 14 hits in the tournament.

Le Mars is 17-11 on the season after Saturday's tournament and looks to boost their record as they continue league play this week.

Irwin was pleased with the quality level of play she saw from her squad throughout Saturday's tournament. She is hopeful that the play will carry over as her squad wraps up Lakes Conference play with matches against Cherokee and Storm Lake. She added that Thursday's home match with Storm Lake will be a big game in determining the final conference standings.

Clearview Classic team standings:

Western Christian 6-0

Sioux City Heelan 5-1

Pella Christian 4-2

Le Mars 3-3

Unity Christian 3-3

Sioux City East 2-4

MOC-Floyd Valley 1-5

Harlan 0-6