First-match jitters got the better of Clear Creek volleyball Saturday, but the Golddiggers are confident their chemistry and communication will only get better.
The Golddiggers hosted Greeley’s Dayspring Christian Academy and the Eagles won all three sets.
The match, particularly the first set, saw lots of long volleys between the two teams and each Golddigger point seemed hard-fought.
Clear Creek lost the first set 25-15, but remained within arm’s length through the first part of the second set. However, coming out of a timeout with Clear Creek down 11-18, the Eagles went on a 7-0 run to close out the set.
In the third, Dayspring’s defense hardly allowed any points while its offense stayed in the groove, and the Eagles won the set 25-7.
Clear Creek Coach Karin Thomsen noted how several of the Eagles’ points, especially in the second set, came from soft tips over the net. Despite knowing it was coming, the Golddiggers failed to mentally adjust to that, she said.
On offense, Thomsen said the outside players need to be more comfortable working with the setters.
While it was a tough loss, there were some bright spots for the Golddiggers.
Thomsen was happy with how the middles played Saturday and said everyone improved their timing and techniques as the match progressed.
Senior libero Zeda Taylor was tireless in her efforts to dig each serve, but now Clear Creek has to work on helping her when she does, Thomsen said.
“I think it went well for a first game,” Taylor said, adding that she likewise felt that she and her teammates simply need time to improve communication, but thought everyone maintained positive attitudes throughout the match.
Taylor recalled one volley in the second set where she got a dig and then junior setter Aiden Kocol set for junior outside hitter Luna Weaver to get the kill, explaining that the Golddiggers just have to build on their chemistry to get more combinations like that.
The Golddiggers’ next game will be 10 a.m. this Saturday March 27 at Heritage Christian Academy in Fort Collins.
