Sophomore shines when called to start

When senior Lindy Pins was unable to play in the Bulldogs’ season opener Thursday night at Riceville, head coach Jim Boehmer was worried.

“I didn’t know what to expect,” he said.

Then sophomore Kelsey Larson took the court, and Boehmer no longer had anything to worry about.

Larson, in her first varsity start, had four kills and was 13-for-13 serving with five aces.

“Kelsey played extremely well,” Boehmer said. “I’m proud of her to be thrown into that situation and perform the way she did.”

The Bulldogs (1-0) swept Riceville in three games, winning 25-7, 25-9 and 25-10 to start the season.

Josie Brackey led the team in kills with 12 and aces with five on 14-for-15 serving. Amanda Lampman had seven kills and Haley Matthews was 20-for-21 behind the service line with three aces.

Setter Morgan Fjelstad 20 assists, leading the offense.

“It was a good win,” Boehmer said. “We came out strong and hadn’t played Riceville before so we didn’t know what to expect. The girls came out and played well.”

Up next, the Bulldogs have arguably their biggest challenge of the regular season as they travel to Forest City Tuesday.

Lake Mills and Forest City are expected to finish one and two in the North Iowa Conference.

“It’s a huge game,” Boehmer said. “The conference title could already be on the line. The winner will be in the driver’s seat.”

The match starts at 6 p.m.