The West Liberty High School volleyball team stumbled this week following a tough stretch of games before heading into the final stage of the season. The team of coach Ruban Galvan split the week, going 3-3 including recording wins over Durant, Cascade, and Dubuque Senior, finally falling for the first time this season in a three-game match with neighboring rival Wilton.
The Comets fell to 20-3 for the season with the split, losing all three of those outings to top ranked teams in the state, none of which were in their own class.
On Thursday, the Comets made a trip to Wilton in a battle of two unbeaten teams. The 3A sixth ranked Comets were to face their stiffest competition of the season in battling the 2A second ranked Beavers before a packed gym.
The Comets battled during the opening set but fell 25-17. The potent Beaver attack was full speed ahead in the second set, carrying the momentum to a 25-9 win.
The Comets came back in the third set to give Wilton quite a match before losing in the end 25-23, giving up three straight sets for the first time this season.
Junior Macy Daufeldt and senior Martha Pace put forth valiant efforts offensively for the Comets, recording 12 and nine kills respectively. Sophomore Brooklyn Buysse added 25 assists to her total on the night. Monica Morales was instrumental in keeping the Comets in the game with 16 digs.
First up for the week was a visit from Durant. The Comets made quick work of the visiting Wildcats, gaining the victory in straight sets in the Comets penultimate home match. Sets one and two went to the Comets in identical 25-11 wins before the final set ended in a final 25-8 score.
Junior Macy Daufeldt led the Comets offensive assault recording 13 kills. Brooklyn Buysse recorded 35 assists, two aces and 16 digs in helping lead the West Liberty team to their 18th straight win of the year without a loss.
On Saturday the Comets took a road trip to Dubuque to play in a five-team tournament.
The Comets started their day against Dubuque Senior. The Rams gave the Comets all they could handle, falling to the Comets after two long fought sets, 22-20 and 21-19. The Comets continued the Saturday slate with a victory over Cascade, 21-6 and 21-9. They closed out the weekend with losses to 5A fourth ranked Pleasant Valley, 21-18 and 21-9, and 4A fifth ranked Western Dubuque, 21-16 and 21-17.
Daufeldt led the offensive charge on the day, recording 28 kills over the four matches. Buysse added 66 assists and Morales chalked up 42 digs.
The Comets will play their final home game Thursday against Anamosa before going to Cedar Rapids Jefferson Saturday for the final tune-up before the conference tournament on Tuesday.
