PLEASANT HILL — In a deciding fifth set for the first time this season, the Marshalltown volleyball team couldn’t generate its own momentum and never got going.

The Bobcats won the first and fourth sets over Class 5A No. 12 Southeast Polk but got stuck at the starting line in the fifth and final set, falling to the Rams 21-25, 25-19, 25-23, 22-25, 15-3, in the CIML Iowa Conference opener for both teams.

MHS head coach Chris Brees said his team has earned the opportunities but has yet to take them, missing a quality chance to knock off the ranked Rams (10-5, 1-0).

“We worked so hard to put ourselves in position to win, but again chose fear instead of going hard,” he said. “We keep looking for someone else to make plays.”

On this night, sophomore Hayden Oetker was the top attacker for the Bobcats (3-7, 0-1). She finished with nine kills on 28 attempts. Erica Johnson and Autumn Finch added six kills apiece, while Sophie Younkin added four kills and Tasia Pohle had three more.

“Hayden had a great night, but we can’t have one person on and the rest of the team take a back seat,” said Brees.

Johnson led the defense with 21 digs, Kyra Feldman had 18 more, while Mayah Carson and Madi Finch added 10 digs apiece. Madi totaled 21 assists, Autumn had five total blocks and Brittany Sichra had 10 digs to go with 14-for-14 serving and two aces.

Johnson served 15-for-15 with an ace, Grace Fisher was 14-for-14 with an ace, and Madi was 14-for-15 with an ace. The Bobcats missed just three serving attempts on the night.

“This shows we can beat ranked opponents, but we can’t take points off,” Brees said. “Their offense beat our defense tonight. We need to change that for Fort Dodge next week.”

With this being Homecoming week, Marshalltown will wait another six days before hosting Fort Dodge on Sept. 24 at the Roundhouse. It’s the second of just four home dates for the Bobcat volleyball squad this season.