The Dell Rapids St Mary Cardinal volleyball team was supposed to start their 2023 season at home on Thursday, August 24th. However, due the heat, the match against the Alcester-Hudson Cubs was moved to Alcester. The Cubs took the match in straight sets by scores of 25-18, 25-21, and 25-14.
The Cardinals opened the match with an early 4-1 advantage. The Cubs followed with a 9-2 run to go ahead 10-6. After St Mary got within two points, 11-9, Alcester-Hudson scored five in a row to extend the lead to 16-9. They continued to push the lead to 21-13 before taking the first set 25-18. The Cubs started the second set on a 4-1 run and looked like they were going to cruise to victory after going ahead 18-11. St Mary battled back to within three points, 22-19, but Alcester-Hudson did not let the set slip away and won 25-21.
The Cubs started the third set with four straight points, but St Mary tied the game 6-6. Alcester-Hudson then went on an 11-2 run to lead 17-8. The lead grew to 21-9. This time the Cubs did not allow St Mary to get too close as they finished the match with a 25-14 win.
