Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Devyn Scott of St. Edmond hits the ball over the net on Tuesday against Iowa Falls-Alden. For more photos, visit CU.messengernews.net

The St. Edmond volleyball team has reached the toughest part of their schedule, and even through some rough patches, the Gaels have been able to emphasize the bright spots.

For the fifth time in seven matches, St. Edmond (13-10 overall, 0-3 North Central Conference) faced a ranked squad here on Tuesday, squaring off with No. 13 (Class 3A) Iowa Falls-Alden (12-1, 3-0) in the Gael gym.

Iowa Falls-Alden picked up a 25-22 victory in the opening game. The Gaels bounced back with a 25-16 victory. The Cadets, who now have won 10 straight matches, then won the final two to take the 25-19 and 25-18.

“It was a very solid effort,” said St. Edmond head coach Dee Huss. “I was pleased with the way we played after a tough Sunday (with four ranked teams and six matches).

“On two day’s rest, we were just focused on working on our mental muscle. For our girls to compete like that, I’m really proud.”

Now the Gaels will get a much needed break, not hitting the court for nine days.

“We have nine days off and the Homecoming festivities,” Huss aid. “We need to get healthy and refocus and get ready to go for the rest of the season.”

Momentum started to turn the Gaels way midway through the first game when they trailed 19-12. They trimmed thd deficit to 19-17 before IF-A closed it out.

St. Edmond built on the strong stretch heading into Game 2. The Gaels burst out of the gates ahead 15-5, and were up 21-11 before closing the door.

Hannah Huss had a strong stretch, recording six kills. She finished the match with 20 kills and two ace serves.

The Gaels are the first North Central Conference squad to take a game from the Cadets in league play. It’s the first time IF-A has dropped a game in seven matches.

“Our back row and our blocking was great,” Huss said. “Those two are great to have at the same time, because they complement each other well.

“We hit a little lull in the first game, but we stayed positive heading into the second. I thought what helped us all night was that our serve receiving was outstanding.”

Josie Huss, Erin Flattery, Devyn Scott and Hannah Schaeffer had five kills each.

Jacque Oberg and Flattery were both perfect at the service line. Oberg was 13-for-13 with two aces and Flattery was 7 of 7.

Macey Mason finished the match with 27 digs. Livi Huss tallied 35 assists.

St. Edmond will be back in action on Sept. 28 when it travels to Webster City.