Comets go 3-1 while hosting volleyball invitational

By John Burbridge

sports@charlescitypress.com

CHARLES CITY — Trying to predict how a volleyball match is going to turn out is like … um … trying to predict the stock market.

Even the “experts” get humbled from time to time.

Predicting the outcome of the Charles City-vs.-Tripoli match during the tailend of Saturday’s five-team invitational hosted by the Comets was proving to be another tough call.

The Comets had taken the first set 21-14 but were trailing 19-14 in the second set.

Charles City scored 6 straight points and were at match point (20-19) before the Panthers tied it at 20 and regained service.

It was anyone’s set at that point, but when Comet junior outside hitter Emma Miller blocked a killing attempt to give Charles City a 21-20 advantage, it ignited a burst of exuberance from that side of the net that made it nearly a sure bet that the Comets would get that winning 22nd point.

And they did while capping a 3-1 showing at the invite.

Charles City (17-8) had earlier defeated South Tama (21-10, 21-9) and Central Springs (21-15, 21-19) in straight sets.

Charles City lost to Union (21-16, 21-16). The Tigers, who are ranked No. 5 among Class 3A schools, went undefeated during the tournament while only dropping one set — to Central Springs.

Another ranked team is coming to Comet Gym — the Class 4A No. 11-ranked Decorah Vikings, who will square off against the hosting Comets in a Northeast Iowa Conference matchup on Tuesday.

Through 25 matches, Comet statistical leaders include sophomore Mya Rimrod (142 digs, 124 kills), sophomore Anya Ruzicka (263 assists), sophomore Jadyn Van Horn (38 blocks), freshman Keely Anderegg (31 aces), and senior Ava Ellis (95.3% service efficiency — 182 of 191 service attempts).