Playing With Purpose: Cyclones Knock Off Top-Ranked Stuart

The Cyclones took to heart “playing with purpose” Tuesday night and upset the No. 1 team in the state in Class D2.

Clearwater-Orchard (13-8) defeated Omaha World-Herald's No. 1 Stuart (19-2) 29-27, 25-19 in Orchard at the Cyclones' triangular. 

"I thought they did an awesome job. They came out played with a purpose, that's for sure. They were firing on all cylinders," said Cyclones coach Shelly Mlnarik. "They stepped up and played awesome."

Freshman JoCee Johnston put down a team-high 11 kills in the win against Stuart while senior Mallory Cooper picked up nine digs. Kinzley Macke had four kills and Sierra Schroeder added a pair of ace serves. 

The Cyclones went "Purple With A Purpose" this week in support of Alzheimer Awareness and raised nearly $500 by selling about 150 t-shirts.

​"The girls every year they pick a cause they'd like to raise a little money for, and this year they happen to pick Alzheimers," Mlnarik said. "They raised almost $500, so it's really exciting for the girls. They did a really good job with it."

The Cyclones also topped Niobrara-Verdigre 25-14, 25-10. Against the Cougars, Clearwater-Orchard put down 17 kills as a team with seven coming from Schroeder. Cooper had three ace serves in the match while Macke added two more, along with a block. ​