GHV Cardinals continue to roll

GHV’s Mackenzie Van Gerpen records one of her 10 kills during a game against Eagle Grove.  Also pictured for GHV (L-R) Taylor Gerdes, Jacki Van Oort, Hannah Lau, Bailee Frayne and Carlie Knutson.  -Reporter photo b Chris Barragy

It was a good week for the Garner-Hayfield-Ventura volleyball team, as they picked up a win against Eagle Grove and placed second in a tournament on Saturday.

GHV 3, Eagle Grove 0

It was a good night for all three Garner-Hayfield-Ventura teams, as they all earned victories against Eagle Grove on Tuesday, Sept. 20.

The varsity team picked up two hard-fought victories in the first two games, 25-21 and 25-18.  The third game was a bit easier, as the Cardinals cruised to an easy 25-14 win.

“Two areas we focus on with the varsity team is keeping our energy constant and running a quick offense,” said Coach Kelsey Steffens.  “Our serve/receive is what we will work on in practice this week to better prepare for upcoming opponents.”

Hannah Lau and Mackenzie Van Gerpen combined for 20 kills, with 10 apiece.  Carlie Knutson added three and Jacki Van Oort and Taylor Gerdes each had two kills.

Gerdes led the team in blocks with two, while Lau, Jacki Van Oort and Katelyn Bierle each had one block.

Bailee Frayne and Lydia Seelhammer shared setting duties, with Frayne having 11 assists and Seelhammer ended with 10.

Knutson led the team in digs with nine.  Van Oort and Van Gerpen had four apiece.

Van Gerpen had a good night at the service line, collecting four aces.  Frayne had two aces.

Bishop Garrigan Tournament

The Cardinals had a successful day on Saturday, Sept. 24, placing second at the Bishop Garrigan tournament and breaking a school record.  Hannah Lau collected 35 kills on the day to break the record at 765 career kills.

“Hannah broke the record that was held by Emily Mathews, who had 749 career kills,” said Coach Kelsey Steffens.  “Mackenzie Van Gerpen is in third place right now with 629 career kills.”

GHV started the tournament slow, dropping its first two matches before rallying to win the last four to place second.

The team fell to Clarion-Goldfield and Lake Mills.  C-G topped the Cardinals with scores of 21-10 and 21-8. The Bulldogs won with scores of 21-10 and 21-10.

GHV was not to be denied, as they came back to win four matches in a row.  The Cards topped Bishop Garrigan, 22-20 and 21-13.  They also topped North Iowa and Manson NWW.  It took GHV three matches to top North Iowa.  They fell in the first game, 21-17, before claiming the final two, 21-17 and 15-4.  It also took them three games to beat Manson NWW.  Once again they fell in the first game, 21-17, and won the final two, 21-16 and 16-14.  The Cards rolled over Eagle Grove, 21-9 and 21-6.

“After starting the tournament 0-2, our focus turned to serving and pursuing every ball.  The girls were able to turn the day around and work together to maintain our energy and finish the day 4-2,” said Steffens.

Leaders for the tournament included Hannah Lau and Mackenzie Van Gerpen.  Both girls had 34 kills apiece, and Van Gerpen recorded 29 digs, while Lau had 21.  Carlie Knutson also had a good day, with 16 kills and 27 digs.  Bailee Frayne led the team in assists for the day wth 68.