Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Cambrie McBride of St. Edmond attempts to block Iowa Falls-Alden's Alexis Hill on Thursday. For more photos, please visit CU.messengernews.net

The end result might not have showed it, but St. Edmond head volleyball coach Dee Huss understands that much was to be gained by Thursday night’s match vs. Iowa Falls-Alden.

The Cadets picked up a three-set sweep over the Gaels inside a boisterous SEHS gym by scores of 25-17, 25-15 and 25-15, but Huss saw plenty of marked improvements in key areas.

“We know it is going to be tough going up against some of these bigger schools in the North Central Conference,” Huss said. “But playing this kind of quality and size will only make us better in the long run. I saw instances of really good play all around.

“We had good rallies and really hung in there on some tough points. I was also really impressed with the crowd. That kind of excitement and energy only helps our team.”

Junior Kacey Kruthoff had seven solo blocks on the night to lead St. Edmond (4-6 overall, 1-1 in NCC). She also recorded four kills and assisted on two more blocks.

“Kacey really had a great night,” Huss said. “She is leading our defense right now and doing a tremendous job at the net.”

Cambrie McBride added four kills, six digs and an ace, both Josie Huss and Sydney Engels had three kills each, and Isabel Woodhouse tallied three blocks and two kills.

“We are still trying to figure out our offense and rotation,” Huss said. “But I am really pleased with our blocking. We could improve our passing still, but that will come.”

Sydney Engels chipped in three kills, and Milena Naughton had four digs.

Iowa Falls-Alden (3-4, 1-1) took command with runs of six and five consecutive points in the first. They followed with more of the same in the second and third sets.

St. Edmond never took the lead in any of the three sets, but they tied it midway through both the first and second frames.

The Cadets also won both the junior varsity (21-18, 21-14) and freshman (21-19, 21-6) matches.

Next action for the Gaels will be Monday when they travel to Eagle Grove to face the Eagles and Southeast Valley. They play at home again on Oct. 3 vs. Algona.