The Alcester-Hudson Cubs had their first home match of the season against the Dell Rapids St Mary Cardinals on Thursday, August 25th. The Cardinals won the match in straight sets by scores of 25-21, 25-21, and 25-22.
Each of the three sets contained a run by one or both of the teams. The Cardinals made the first run in the opening set. After a 3-3 tie, St Mary scored six straight for a 9-3 lead. They continued to be in front at 13-9, but the Cubs took the lead, 15-13, after six straight of their own. The Cardinals responded with five in a row to retake the lead 18-15. The momentum shifted back to Alcester-Hudson as they then scored five in a row to go ahead 20-18. St Mary then tied the set 20-20. The Cubs scored the next point, but St Mary scored five in a row to win the first set.
The second set started with the Cubs taking a 7-3 lead. St Mary went on a 6-0 run for a 9-7 advantage. They pushed that lead to 17-10. The Cubs made a couple of runs and eventually pulled within a point at 22-21, but the Cardinals scored the final three points to go ahead 2-0.
The Cardinals started the third set with five straight points for an early 5-0 lead. Alcester-Hudson tied the set 8-8. St Mary regained the lead 15-11, but the Cubs tied the score again at 17-17. The two teams traded the next couple of points, and the score was still tied 19-19. St Mary then finished the match on a 6-3 advantage for the win.
Alexis Gray finished with seven kills, two digs, and three set assists for the Cubs. Carly Patrick also had seven kills along with three digs and an ace serve. Both Elly Doering and Devin Hongslo had five kills each. Jenna Manning finished with a team-high 10 digs. Hannah Ahart had 16 set assists, eight digs, two kills, and an ace serves. Emma Moller had eight digs, four kills, and two ace serves. Ella Serck added six digs and an ace.
The Cubs (0-2) will be in Scotland on Tuesday, August 30th.