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Washington Evening Journal
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Clippers look the part of top-ranked team
Raiders aim to keep building confidence and consistency
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
WILLIAMSBURG — Clear Creek Amana looked the part of a top-ranked team in a WaMaC West volleyball match against Williamsburg Tuesday.
The 4A No. 1 Clippers swept the Raiders by set scores of 25-8, 25-14 and 25-15.
The Clippers have been dominant all season, having dropped only two sets on their way to a 20-1 record.
“The versatility they have with hitting is hard to defend,” Williamsburg coach Brittni Powell said. “They can toss it around and have a lot of options and they’re deep in talent. That’s where they beat us.”
The offensive attack is also very efficient; the Clippers’ hitting efficiency ranks third statewide.
Averie Lower led the way in set one, with six of 17 kills for the Clippers. They totaled 40 kills in the match.
The Raiders struggled to get any consistent offense going. Clarissa Suhr had three kills in set one.
Set two saw Sariah Sherman lead the Clippers’ attack with five kills.
The Raiders had five kills in the set and took advantage of some miscues on the Clippers.
Williamsburg’s best set was the last one. Although the score does not reflect it, the offense played more confidently and consistently.
“Sometimes it takes us too much time to figure things out, but we did get a little bit better,” Powell said. “We figured our block out a little too.”
Clarissa Suhr had a set-high four kills, and the Raiders had eight as a team, their most in a set on the night. Kylee Suhr added two while Keston Sprratt and Jordyn Skaggs each had one.
For a moment late in set three, the Raiders were able to cut the lead to 19-13 after a quick 3-0 spurt. It was the closest they were all night in the second half of a set.
Williamsburg was 14-5 after Tuesday and will look to continue to build confidence and consistency as the postseason looms.
“We need more confidence,” Powell said. “We’ve been super close with some good teams, and we just have not pulled one out yet. Getting one would be super helpful.”
The Raiders will have some more of those opportunities, heading to a tournament in Dubuque this weekend with a good field of teams.
“We have the skills. Its just about putting the pieces together,” Powell said. “That’s what it comes down too.”
Nielsen eclipses 1,000 assists
Williamsburg senior setter Averi Nielsen was acknowledged before warm-ups for passing 1,000 career assists during a match last week.
Nielsen has been a four-year starter for the Raiders and is having her best season.
Coming into Tuesday, Nielsen had 314 assists and 58 kills.
