Card volleyball: Fergus Falls sweeps Alexandria in CLC

• Christianson

Amanda Christianson connected on a kill opportunity during a match earlier this season. Christianson led Alexandria with seven kills in a losing effort against Fergus Falls on Tuesday night. (Echo Press photo by Eric Morken)

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Although they made it tough for the Otters, the Cardinal girls were unable to get past defending champion Fergus Falls, dropping a three-set sweep in Central Lakes Conference volleyball action Tuesday night 25-22, 25-23, 25-21.

This was the first CLC loss of the season for the Cards. The Otters are undefeated at 2-0, the Tech Tigers are 1-0 and Alexandria is 1-1.

“We started off hot right away in match one, with many ties and [were] leading until around the 15, 16 point mark,” said head coach Becky Schlichting. “However, the girls were unable to maintain the lead throughout the end of the set.”

The second set was similar, with a similar result as the Redbirds led through much of the contest, before being edged out in the end.

“Throughout the match we saw some great things, and we saw some areas we need to improve on,” said the coach. “The biggest positive was that we held our own against the defending champs and section 8AAA favorite, even while not playing our strongest.

“Another positive was that the areas we need to improve on should be quick fixes. This crew works hard and learns quickly, so we know exactly what to work on to set us up for future success.”

Alexandria was led by Amanda Christianson and Natalie Watkins with seven and six kills apiece, while Emily Kuennen added four and Adrianne Wensman three.

“Again, we see the depth of our offense and just need to get a bit more consistent with our kills,” said the coach.

Watkins also led the defense with 19 digs, while Shaneé added 14 and Jenni Wild 12.

“Our setters, Allie Noetzelman and Nicole Canavati, provided their teammates with 12 and 8 assists respectively,” Schlichting added.

“Senior middle blocker Tara LeBrassuer continues to play strong in the middle for us. She is an excellent blocker and rarely, if ever, leaves her defense hanging by bailing.

“We will continue to work her a bit more into our offense, but as of now she is providing the team with very valuable defensive assistance,” said the coach.

Alexandria will be at Willmar on Tuesday.

FERGUS FALLS 3,

ALEXANDRIA 0

ALEXANDRIA 22 23 21

FERGUS FALLS 25 25 25

HITTING (hits-attempts-kills) – Allie Noetzelman 7-9-1, Natalie Watkins 23-27-6, Tara LeBrasseur 3-6-2, Amanda Christianson 26-28-7, Jenni Wild 15-21-2, Emily Kuennen 12-15-4, Adrianne Wensman 12-14-3. SET ASSISTS – Noetzelman 12, Shaneé Herd 3, Nicole Canavati 3. SERVING (serves-attempts-aces) – Noetzelman 11-11, Watkins 16-18-2, Wild 11-11-1, Herd 9-9-3, Wensman 7-7-0, Canavati 9-10-1. DIGS – Noetzelman 9, Watkins 19, LeBrasseur 1, Christianson 2, Wild 12, Kuennen 4, Herd 14, Wensman 5, Canavati 4.

Tags: alexandria sports, sports, cardinals, volleyball