Cougars outlast Superlarks in match-up of top squads – Austin Daily Herald

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Grand Meadow senior Gracie Foster sends a hit towards Mabel-Canton’s front line in GM Monday. Rocky Hulne/sports@austindailyherald.com

Hallie Hendrickson (1) and the Superlarks celebrate a point against Mabel-Canton. Rocky Hulne/sports@austindailyherald.com

Grand Meadow’s Kendall Jack delivers a hit against Mabel-Canton in GM Monday. Rocky Hulne/sports@austindailyherald.com

Grand Meadow’s Hallie Hendrickson controls the ball for the Superlarks. Rocky Hulne/sports@austindailyherald.com

Cheyenne Bakken passes for the Superlarks in GM Monday. Rocky Hulne/sports@austindailyherald.com

Alyvia Olson delivers a tip. Rocky Hulne/sports@austindailyherald.com

GRAND MEADOW – The Grand Meadow volleyball team put their 13-match winning streak on the line against one of the best volleyball programs in Southeast Minnesota, and while they came up short, the Superlarks got a lesson in what to expect in the playoffs.

GM was competitive in every set against Mabel-Canton as it lost by scores of 25-22, 25-17, 25-19 in GM Monday.

GM (21-5 overall) pulled to within 22-19 when Alyvia Olson put down a kill in the first set, but it couldn’t continue the rally. Olson put down a point to bring GM within 15-14 in the second set and GM briefly led the third set 14-13 after a kill by Gracie Foster.

“We really have to learn to control our errors and keep our heads in the game,” GM head coach Cathy Paul said. “If we can control what we need to control, then I think we’ll be just fine. We knew this would be our toughest match of the season and we have them again on Tuesday. We just need to keep that energy and push the whole match through.”

Senior Kendall Jack led the Superlarks with 11 kills, while senior Hallie Hendrickson compiled 15 digs and 27 set assists.

The Superlarks and Cougars (26-4 overall) will face off again at 7 p.m. Tuesday in Mabel in an SEC Showcase match.

“We love playing tough teams and this is what we’re going to see all of the time now (in the playoffs),” Paul said. “So this is what we have to get used to.”

GM stats: Kendall Jack, 11 kills, 9 digs; Alyvia Olson, 8 kills, 2 blocks; Gracie Foster, 7 kills; Cheyenne Bakken, 13 digs; Hallie Hendrickson, 15 digs, 27 set assists, 2 blocks