The Class C1 No. 6 Malcolm Clippers hosted and defeated the Blair High School volleyball team Tuesday, 3-0.
The Bears (0-2 overall) dropped the first set 25-12 and the third 25-7, but fought within 25-22 during the second. Coach Becca Mellema's squad even held leads of 5-3 and 13-11 in the most competitive set of the match.
First, BHS senior Schuyler Roewert delivered an attack Malcolm couldn't handle for a 1-0 lead. Taylor Mostek's kill pushed the advantage to 2-0.
The Clippers tied the second set at 3-all, but a Nicki Wendt spike from the left side and a Ellia Klanderud block on the right gave the Bears their 5-3 advantage.
To make the score 13-11, Roewert notched a kill and Peyton Ogle produced a block, too.
Malcolm gained back the lead as the set moved a long, but Blair again evened the score at 21-21 before the home team ultimately won the second by three.
Coach Mellema's team was to return to the court Thursday against Plattsmouth, but next competes Saturday at Wahoo. The Bears start Pool B tournament play at 9 a.m. against Lincoln Christian. Matches are set for the Wahoo Elementary gymnasium.
