Lady Lions Not Able To Climb Out Of Big Hole

The Langford Area volleyball squad dug a deep hole for itself early in the match against Great Plains Lutheran on Thursday but went down fighting.
    Coach Susan Larson’s team dropped the opening set 25-15 and fell 25-10 in se two, but then battled GPL before losing 25-23 in set three.  This week the Lady Lions, now 8-14, will compete in a tournament in Miller on Saturday, play at Groton Area on Monday, and host Webster Area on Tuesday.
    “We lost in three sets but the girls never quit and never gave up,” said Larson.  “One thing that I love about this team is its ability to play the entire match despite the score. They actually played better as the match sets went on.
    “Alex (Darling) had one of her best games... she really covered the whole court.  Paytyn (Marlow) always plays consistently and this match was no different.
    “GPL is a good team with some big hitters.  We were able to make adjustments as we played.  I’m always pleased with this team putting its best foot forward.”
    Alex Darling led the Lady Lions at the service line, hitting 10-10 tries with an ace.  Eliana Darling was 14-14 with four kills at the net.  Autumn Wegleitner came up with 20 digs and Eliana Darling and Mariah Tosse were each credited with four blocks. 
    
    SERVING: LA, 41-45, 3 aces (Alex Darling 10-10, 1 ace; Clarissa Guy 8-8; Lizzie Gustafson 6-7, 1 ace; Eliana Darling 3-4, 1 ace)
    HITTING: LA, 70-76, 10 kills (E. Darling 14-14, 4 kills; Gustafson 11-12, 2 kills; Autumn Wegleitner 15-15, 1 kill; A. Darling 10-12, 1 kill; Paytyn Marlow 9-9, 1 kill;  Emily Olson 7-9, 1 kill)
    SETTING: LA, 81-81, 10 assists (Marlow 35-35, 5 assists; Guy 36-36, 4 assists)
    DIGS: LA, 72 (Wegleitner 20, Marlow 16, E. Darling 13, Guy 9)
    BLOCKS: LA, 11 (E. Darling 4, Maria Tosse 4, Marlow 1, Olson 1, Wegleitner 1)