H-D Volleyball

The Hampton-Dumont volleyball team played five games last week. After their North Central Conference match with Iowa Falls-Alden, the Bulldogs (3-20) hosted a Saturday tournament.

“We have been working on our effort, attitudes and communication. We are doing some really good things at times, but are allowing some mental errors to change the momentum for us. We are struggling to be engaged and compete throughout the entire set,” said Coach Sarah Miller.

This week the Bulldogs will participate in a triangular at Lake Mills and then wrap up the conference and regular season by hosting Clear Lake Thursday, Oct. 14, at 7:30 p.m. The team will begin Class 3A Region 3 quarterfinal play Monday, Oct. 18, against Clarion-Goldfield-Dows. They are set to square off against the Cowgirls in Clarion at 7 p.m.

“We have a great opportunity at our Quad on Tuesday to play some highly skilled teams. Then we will switch our focus on Clear Lake for Thursday. It is always a battle with a NCC team. We have to be ready to go and give 100 percent throughout each and all sets,” said Coach Miller.

IF-A 3, H-D 1

The Bulldogs got off to a quick start against North Central Conference rival Iowa Falls-Alden Tuesday, Oct. 5, but fell 3-1. The Cadets improved to 2-4 in the league, while H-D is now 0-6.

The Bulldogs captured the first set, 26-24, but the home team fought back to win the second and third by scores of 25-19 and 25-16. The fourth was a battle which ended in favor of the Cadets, 25-21.

Seniors Aja Sheppard and Kortney Dunt led the team in assists and kills. Sheppard had 22 assists in the match, while Dunt put down 10 kills. Dunt was also a team leader from the service line, going 14/15 with three aces.

Abigail Drier was a perfect 22/22 with two aces. Gina Schmitt was 13/14 serving with two aces. Schmitt was also credited with nine kills in the match.

The Bulldog defense was led by Addyson Showalter with 26 digs. Aubryee Showalter and Dunt had 11 apiece.

Hampton Tournament

The Bulldogs hosted a Saturday tournament and played four matches. The home team battled North Central Conference Schools St. Edmond and Janesville, falling 2-1 in each. They were blanked by Kuemper Catholic and Janesville, 2-0.

Despite the losses, Coach Miller said she saw many good things from her team.

“Aubyree Showalter had a great overall weekend, making key plays for us. Addy Showalter was great in the back row. Our hitters are continuing to build confidence in placing their hits. We are working on playing as a unit and making sure we are communicating to help each other read our opponents,” said the coach.

The team started the day facing Kuemper. The Knights claimed the match, 21-12, 21-7. The H-D offense was led by Kortney Dunt, Emma Showalter and Aubryee Showalter, who each had a kill. Aja Sheppard was the team leader in assists with four. Aubryee Showalter was three-for-three at the service line with two aces. Defensively, Emma Showalter and Charles Morton had blocks for the team.

In the St. Edmond match the Bulldogs came out strong and took the first game, 21-12. The Gaels recovered for a 21-15 win in the second and continued to roll in the third, 15-8. Addison Showalter was credited with six digs in the match, setting up Aubryee Showalter for nine kills. Sheppard contributed 10 assists and had three aces on 8/9 serving.

The closest match of the day for the Bulldogs was played against Iowa Falls-Alden. The Cadets squeezed out a 23-21 victory in the first game, but H-D came back to take the second, 21-14. The rubber match was a wild one, but IF-A pulled out a 15-13 victory. The Bulldogs had a balanced offensive attack, with Charlee Morton putting down four kills and Dunt, Sheppard and both Showalter’s finishing with three in the match. Aubryee Showalter was effective at the service line, going 11/14 with five aces. Sheppard was 11/12 with two aces.

Janesville was too much for the Bulldogs, 21-11, 21-6. Dunt and Sheppard each had two kills for H-D. The team served at 100 percent, paced by Gina Schmit, who was five-for-five with two aces.

“Emma's blocks help us defend the big hitters. She has been a life saver against those strong outside hitters,” added Coach Miller. “Our younger players have really been stepping it up. Kortney, Charlee and Abby are playing all out until the ball hits the floor. They are making a positive impact playing with full effort. Aja has been working on being more vocal and running our offense when she has the pass coming to the two spot.”