—Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Jadyn Jondle of Clarion-Goldfield/Dows celebrates a victory over St. Edmond on Thursday in the Gael gym. For more photos, visit CU at messengernews.net

The St. Edmond volleyball team returned from their quarantine just in time to test themselves against the top programs in the North Central Conference.

After taking on No. 11 (Class 3A) Humboldt this past Tuesday, the Gaels welcomed in second-ranked (3A) Clarion-Goldfield/Dows for their final regular season home match of the year.

The Cowgirls improved to 22-2 overall with a sweep by scores of 25-13, 25-15 and 25-10.

Following a two-week stoppage in play, St. Edmond (4-4) returned on the road at Hampton-Dumont. And while the end results over this three-game stretch have been a 1-2 record, SEHS head coach Dee Huss is pleased with where the team is headed.

“We’re obviously a little behind where we would like to be at this point in the season, but these girls have embraced this week and playing two elite programs like Humboldt and Clarion,” she said. “We knew it would be a challenge but we didn’t back down.

“Playing these matches against bigger schools like this will prepare us for what we see in the postseason.”

St. Edmond found out its draw for regionals, as they will host Paton-Churdan on Monday, Oct. 19 in a 1A, Region 3 first round contest. The winner advances to the quarterfinals to face either AGWSR or Colo-Nesco with top-ranked Janesville awaiting in the semifinals.

Morgan Middleton, one of two Div. I commits for the Cowgirls, led the way with 21 kills on the night. Kendall Lienemann added 10 and Lexie Lane had five with four aces.

Middleton is headed to North Dakota State and Jadyn Jondle, who finished with 10 digs and three aces, to South Dakota State. Alaina Friesleben had 36 assists and three aces, with Nicole Waters adding three aces.

“When they are running things through Morgan, that is when they are at their best,” Huss said. “We did a better job in the second set of matching up against her. I thought our block was better even without Sydney Engels in there because of an ankle injury.”

Kacey Kruthoff and Emma Alstott each had five kills to lead the Gaels, with Aleah Anderson added four. Kruthoff also recorded three blocks.

Leah Neverman and Kierstin Clark each had two kills.

With two teams ranked and a handful of others with over six wins, the NCC continues to show strength among the state contenders.

“It’s so great what Justin (McDaniel) and Katrina (TerHark) have done at Humboldt and Clarion,” Huss said. “They both have built great, tradition-rich programs that are hoping for big seasons. And I’m hoping for that from them too, along with the rest of the NCC.”

Humboldt and Clarion-Goldfield/Dows will meet next Thursday in Clarion for the conference title. St. Edmond travels to Manson Northwest Webster Tuesday and Algona next Thursday.

In junior varsity action, the Cowgirls won, 21-7 and 21-13.