Rockets Continue Dominant Run, Sweep Albia to Improve to 20-2

Albia, IA – The EBF Rockets volleyball team, ranked 2nd in Class 2A, continued their stellar season with a straight-set victory over Albia on October 1, 2024. The Rockets improved their record to 20-2 overall and 4-0 in South Central Conference play with a 25-8, 25-18, 25-12 sweep.

Led by Molly Shafert’s outstanding performance, the Rockets came out strong in the first set. Shafert was perfect on her 31 attack attempts, registering 24 kills, along with an assist and six digs. She also contributed at the service line, going 9 for 10. Setter Kate Shafer orchestrated the offense masterfully, dishing out 33 assists while adding three kills, four digs, and three blocks.

Lacey Taylor was another key contributor, tallying nine kills and three blocks while going 14 for 18 from the service line, including three aces. Kaylee Helm bolstered the defense with nine digs and added two aces and four assists. Kinley Lobberecht also impressed, delivering three aces while recording four digs and a perfect attacking performance.

Despite some serving errors in the first set, the Rockets regained their intensity in the third set, which was their best serving effort of the night, with only one error. Coach Gladys Genscow praised the team’s overall performance, especially their ability to refocus after a dip in intensity during the second set.

“We came out on fire to start the match,” Coach Genscow said. “We passed well in the first set, which allowed for great execution, though our serving gave them 5 of their 8 points. We let down our intensity in the second set, but came back strong in the third set with a goal to take care of the ball, and we did that. It was fun to see all of our hitters have a kill tonight.”

The Rockets will be back in action on Saturday at the Newton Tournament as they look to build on their dominant season.

Final Score: EBF 3, Albia 0