Lady Hounds find fun in sweep of New London

HAVING FUN

There are still some things to work out, but I believe we are getting closer to breaking out and playing to our full potential. These kids are sure fun to watch when they just play and have fun.”

Kelly Knustrom, FMHS head volleyball coach

FORT MADISON – The Fort Madison Bloodhounds are starting to find the right formula as the season turns into high gear following Rodeo Week.
The Hounds swept New London Monday night at home in three sets 25-17, 25-18, 25-21. The sweep comes after the Bloodhounds got their first win of the season at Midland Tournament on Saturday.
Fort Madison opened that play with a three set comeback win over Springville 18-21, 21-18, 17-15 tiebreaker.  and then lost to Cascade and Calamus-Wheatland, both in two sets. The final game was against Springville again, but this time the Hounds fell in three sets 11-21, 25-23, 4-15 in the tiebreak to finish the tournament 1-3.
“I’m proud of the effort the team showed all day, and for the most part our offense stayed aggressive,” Head Coach Kelly Knustrom said.
“There are still some things to work out, but I believe we are getting closer to breaking out and playing to our full potential. These kids are sure fun to watch when they just play and have fun.
“With some kids out sick over the weekend, we had some fill-in roles and I am also really pleased with the play off the bench”
Knustrom said Olivia Buckner filled in at a defensive specialist spot and gave the Hounds some aggressive serve from the line.
“Molly Schulte and Addison Dean stepped in to serve in key positions and Reilynn Turnbull jumped right in to help the defense when we struggled a bit,” she said.
Dayonna Davis had 20 kills, 26 digs and a block up front, while Sydney McEntee recorded 16 kills and five blocks. Mara Smith had 47 assists, 21 digs and an ace in the middle of the offense. Kenzie Huebner had 15 digs and Kylie Lumino had 19.
On Monday night Davis led in kills again with 11. She also added two aces and eight digs. McEntee added nine kills and two solo blocks and Smith had 29 assists. Alivia Holmes was perfect at the service line going 19 of 19 with four aces. She also had 10 digs. Mackenzie Huebner had 14 digs.
The ladies travel to Mt. Pleasant tonight in a Southeast Conference matchup.
The freshman took second at the Mt. Pleasant Tournament on Saturday. They lost to Davis Co in pool play, then beat Oskaloosa in pool play. They went on to beat Mt. Pleasant and Van Buren before meeting Davis County again in the championship match and losing in three sets.