The Le Mars Community volleyball team ended their season in a regional semifinal with second-ranked Bishop Heelan in straight sets.
The matchup was Le Mars’ third with the Crusaders in two weeks meaning they were very familiar with each other. The Bulldogs played tough with the Crusaders in the first set falling behind late in the set to lose 25-19. Le Mars head coach Jess Wolles says the first set showed that the Crusaders were going to have to respect her team.
That respect also came from Le Mars’ effort on every point. Bishop Heelan very rarely got attacks to go down on the first swing of a point. Many times, the Bulldog block or back row did enough to keep Le Mars in the point. Coach Wolles says that came from some adjustments in preparation for the matchup.
Ultimately, Bishop Heelan wore the Dogs down winning the next two sets 25-14 and 25-9. Coach Wolles says Bishop Heelan’s up-tempo style of play made things challenging.
The Bulldogs end their year with a record of 12-23. This marks the end for a senior class that is 10 girls strong and have been playing under Coach Wolles now for three seasons. She says this group has rejuvenated some excitement for the program, and she will always be grateful to them for that.
Bishop Heelan moves on with a record of 40-3. They will take on MOC-Floyd Valley on Tuesday, October 29 with a trip to state on the line.
