Head coach Chris Heisterkamp saw more than the wins and losses on Saturday in Lake City. The Greene County volleyball coach saw her team grow at the South Central Calhoun Invitational. The Rams went 3-3 in matches, but in the words of the coach, “It feels like we turned a corner today at this tournament. We had a new level of cohesiveness, and moved so well together on the court.”

The day started with 12-21, 12-21 losses to the host Titans. Then came a 21-18, 17-21, 6-15 loss to Pocahontas Area, followed by a 21-16, 21-19 victory over Audubon. Up next was a 21-5, 15-21, 15-13 victory vs. South Hamilton. A close loss to IKM-Manning was next by scores of 19-21, 21-19, 13-15, then a win on the final match of the day. The Rams closed out with a win over Belmond-Klemme.

Heisterkamp added a highlight was winning the  match vs. South Hamilton (Jewell) in a very back and forth match. “Our matches against South Hamilton and IKM-Manning were the best I’ve seen them (Rams) play together. There was just a connection and cohesive flow on the court that seemed to bring us up to a new level for our team. Although it would have been nice to win against IKM, I saw a fight in our girls that made the match so enjoyable to watch. Last year, they would have fizzled and given up, but today they battled for every points, taking it to an exciting third game. ”

Lily Muir had 26 kills for the tournament. Brianna Osterson totaled 24 kills. The coach added freshman Natalie Heupel has been elevated to a varsity starting position as a middle hitter.

Greene County is 5-5 and opens Heart of Iowa Activities Conference play on Thursday night in Jewell to face the same SH team they defeated on Saturday.