The Le Mars volleyball team fell in straight sets in their regional semifinal with sixth-ranked Lewis Central ending their season on Thursday night.
While the scoreboard shows a sweep, the set scores tell a different story. Le Mars only lost the first set 25-23 and lost the third 25-21 proving they could hang with a top team in the state. Head coach Jess Wolles says the Bulldogs had strong determination to prove they could compete at a high level.
The Bulldog offense went up against a front row for Lewis Central that could always put a six-foot girl in the way. Coach Wolles says that meant the girls had to change up their shots in order to work around the block.
Lewis Central came into the night hitting for a .250 efficiency on the season. Le Mars’ defense did not care and proceeded to get a hand on a large majority of Titan shots. Coach Wolles says the Bulldog back row was a strength all year.
The Bulldogs graduate four seniors off this year’s team that broke a playoff losing streak and proved the program could win at a high level again. Coach Wolles says all four of them were great leaders of the program.
For the players that come back next year, they have some new-found confidence thanks to the success of this year. Coach Wolles hopes that confidence continues down the line into all players hoping to play for the Bulldog volleyball program someday.
Le Mars ends the season with a record of 12-24. Lewis Central advances to take on and host No. 12 Bishop Heelan in the regional final on Tuesday at 7:00 PM.
