The Newton volleyball team faced a challenging triangular meet on March 15, 2024, in Des Moines, where they split their matches. Competing against Class 3A Williamsburg and 5A host Des Moines North, the Cardinals showcased their skills but experienced mixed results. They secured a decisive victory against Des Moines North, winning 25-12, 25-16, yet fell short against Williamsburg, losing 25-14, 25-23.
In the match against Des Moines North, the Cardinals delivered a powerful performance, marking their seventh consecutive sweep over the Polar Bears, now holding a record of 2-14. Isabelle Rawlins was a standout player, contributing 23 assists, two kills, and six digs. Her exceptional serving record continued, as she successfully completed 9-of-9 serves, bringing her season total to 178-of-181.
The team saw significant contributions from several players. Morgan Frehse led the offensive efforts with nine kills, alongside two digs and three aces. Addy Cibula added seven kills, while Camryn Klein chipped in four kills and two digs. Additional support came from Ellie DeVries and Emmy Gross, each contributing three kills. The Cardinals executed an impressive 45-of-49 serves with three aces, achieving a kill efficiency of .279.
In contrast, the match against Williamsburg presented a tougher challenge. Frehse again emerged as a key player, amassing 11 kills and five digs. Klein followed closely with nine kills and eight digs. Rawlins provided 21 assists, while Sophie Greer contributed seven digs. The Cardinals maintained solid serving statistics, completing 35-of-37 serves with one ace, though their kill efficiency dipped to .233.
Despite the split, the Cardinals’ resilience was evident throughout the night. Frehse leads the team this season with 192 kills and is tied for the lead with 25 aces. Klein, on the other hand, has recorded a team-high 118 digs, also matching Frehse with 25 aces. Unfortunately, Newton’s lineup faced a setback when Addie Ratcliff, a key hitter with the second-most kills on the team, left the Williamsburg match early due to an injury and did not return.
Overall, the Newton volleyball team now stands at a record of 10-12 as they prepare for upcoming matches, looking to build on their strengths and recover from setbacks. The blend of experienced players and emerging talent highlights the potential for further success as the season progresses.
