Arriving at the game in Clear Lake, I encountered the famous “Ladies of the Concession Stand,” Bobbie Swan, Joan Bolen, Pam Ellis, and an anonymous lady called, “The Remain Nameless Traitor.”  They were exuberant that the game warranted news attention and their enthusiasm was high, not high enough to give me a free drink, though.  Walking into the gym I was met with the sounds of volleyballs bouncing off walls, floors, and the arms of teenage girls, along with the cranked up volume of Michael Jackson’s Thriller, as both teams warmed up for the District battle.

            Jennifer Garrison sang the National Anthem and Lake wore their red, white and blue uniforms while Clear Springs wore the black and blue Charger uniforms.  The Clear Lake cheerleaders were dressed in red and then, suddenly, a giant brown bird taller than me came walking up.  I was frightened, but then I realized it was only the Clear Lake Falcon mascot.

            The Falcons drew first blood scoring a quick 4 points, and continued to build on their lead, 8-2, then 9-5, 12-7, 15-12.  The Lady Chargers hung close trying to catch them.  Finally the Falcons put them away with a score of 25-19, winning the first game with 8 kills to the Chargers 5 kills. 

            The teams switched sides and eight Lake Cheerleaders lined up and did standing back flips!  I was impressed.  The key to the first game was the outstanding play of Logen Bourque, and hits by Kiara Wright, the 6’2’’ sophomore, Felissa Baker, and Lauren Horelka.  Clear Springs key spikes were by Tori Whitworth and Bailie Jedlicka.

            In game two the Lady chargers were on a mission and Tori Whitworth led the team to a victory with a team leading 5 kills.  The game was close at the end, with Clear Lake trying to close the distance in the score, getting eight kills in the game to the Lady Chargers 13 kills and the game was actually decided on a “lift” call for Clear Springs game point, 25-21.

Game three began with both teams exchanging point for point, 4-4, 8-8, and then the Falcons began their move away with a 18-13 lead.  The ball got lost behind the stands on a stray shot and was retrieved by Shannon Rentschler, who was the only person small enough to get behind the stands.  That was a key play.  Clear Lake pulled away and won the game 25 to 18, with 13 kills, to Clear Springs 9 kills.

            Clear Lake now led two games to one and the Lady Chargers had to win this game or lose the night.  The pressure was on and both teams were determined.  Carley McCarra had four kills and they hung in there until Clear Lake exploded with Ashley Power smashing 3 kills, Kate Foley getting one, Kiara Wright, two more kills, with kills by Felissa Baker who also had key blocks throughout the games, and Lauren Horelka nailed one down to put the final touches on a Lake victory 25 to 14.

            Clear Lake kills totaled 37 for the four games with Clear Springs totaling 33.  Clear Lake kills leader Kiara Wright with 9, Ashley Power 8, Felissa Baker 5, Lauren Horelka 5, Kate Foley 4, Chelsea Vinson, Logen Bourque, and Elayni Stokes all had one each.

            Clear Springs kill leaders included the total leader of the entire evening, Tori Whitworth with 12, followed by Carley McCarra 7, Samone Boyd 7, and Bailie Kedlicka 4.  These teams will see each other again Friday, October 9^th, at Clear Springs High School. 

            I watched a great matchup and met a concession stand full of exciting ladies with big smiles, and got scared by a giant brown furry Falcon mascot, all in a night of High School Volleyball around the Lake.