The Webster City volleyball team reacts after a point on Saturday in Fort Dodge. (Photo by Britt Kudla)

FORT DODGE — Ahead of their first North Central Conference match of the year this week, the Webster City volleyball team gained plenty of experience on the court here Saturday at the St. Edmond Invitational.

The Lynx finished with a 3-2 record overall, placing second to Aplington-Parkersburg. In what was the championship match of the event, the Falcons pulled out a three-set win over Webster City, 21-13, 20-22, 15-8.

During the round-robin action, the Lynx bested the host Gaels (21-18, 21-12), Southeast Valley (21-18, 21-17) and Pocahontas Area (21-11, 19-21, 15-12). Their other loss came to Bishop Garrigan (21-17, 21-11).

“We were able to rotate a lot of girls through the lineup and get a feel for running a faster offense,” WCHS head coach Jess Howard said. “Defensively, our back row did a good job adjusting to teams and keeping the ball alive.

“Offensively, as the day went on, we became more fluid and aggressive with our swings at the net.”

In the match with Aplington-Parkersburg, Reese Casey recorded 12 kills and Joslin Gourley had 13 assists. Alley Odland picked up 19 digs and Adeline Tesdahl had 18, while Gourley was a perfect 16-for-16 serving with three aces.

Casey ended the day with 29 kills, Gourley had 53 assists and was 57-for-58 serving with five aces. Odland had 62 digs overall.

Webster City will head to Humboldt on Thursday for the conference opener. That match begins at 7:30 p.m.