The Raider volleyball season for 2011 opened at the Ridgewater Classic in Willmar Friday and Saturday. CLC defeated Dawson Community College of Glendive, Montana in the first match, coming from behind. Dawson had won the first two games of the match by the same score, 25-20. Then the young Raiders got it together to take the next three games, 25-23, 25-21, and 15-7. "Everyone had those first-game jitters," said Coach Jane Peterson, "but they made a good comeback. It was nice to see." In the second match of the day for CLC, Ellsworth of Iowa Falls, Iowa escaped with a three-game win, 17-25, 24-26, 22-25. On Saturday morning, CLC battled the defending national champs from Ridgewater, losing 19-25, 18-25, and 10-25. The Warriors are ranked third in the NJCAA poll. Coach Peterson told her team afterward that while much work needs to be done, the potential is there as former high school athletes seek the next level to succeed in college competition. "We can play with good teams like Ridgewater, so in the next two months we will work hard to get there." CLC defeated Dakota County Technical in three games (25-21, 25-18, 25-21) to win the last match of the two-day venue and come home with a 2-2 record. Stats: Melissa Widman 25 kills, 34 set assists, 10 digs, 5 blocks, one ace serve; Hayley Hornick 24 digs, Abbi Knuston 30 set assists, Alanna Hanson 24 set assists, 10 kill, 5 ace serves. The first home match for the Raiders is Wednesday vs. St. Cloud Technical, 6:30 p.m.
Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/58518185@N04
