by Kinsey Phipps

PCM Mustang varsity girls’ volleyball faced a well-fought loss against the Wildcats in Carlisle on Sept. 2.  The girls went 2-3 as they fought to win the first game of the season.
They were off to a rough start, losing the first two sets with 17-25 and 14-25, but they came right back, winning the third and fourth set 25-23 and 25-21. The game all came down to one last set, which went 17-19.
“I’m so proud of the way the girls competed and never gave up after losing the first two games,” said Head Coach Mollie Keitges.
Both teams played it out and fought for the two-point advantage they needed to get to win the final set. In the end, Carlisle pulled out the win, leaving the Mustangs heartbroken but hopeful for the rest of the season.
“It was really intense, and we worked really hard. I think we worked better together than we ever have, and I can’t wait for the rest of the season,” said senior Mackenzie Clarke.
Leading the way with kills was senior Courtney Van Houweling with 15; Van Houweling also pulled out the most digs with a total of 30. Sophomore Kayla Jennings had the best serving average, going 24 for 24 on her serves. Another sophomore, Jayci Vos, had the most assists with 18.
The next match for the varsity girls will be at North Polk on Thursday, Sept. 11, at 6:30 p.m