A spirited day of volleyball helped the Iowa Mennonite School volleyball team (12-17 overall) to an appearance in the championship game of the Demon Volleyball Classic. IMS’s day began with winning two of their three scheduled matches in pool play.

The girls upended the Tri-County Trojans (0-18 overall) in straight sets (21-12, 21-10), and the Washington Demons (6-22 overall) in three sets (15-21, 21-16, 15-10). Their only loss in pool play came against the Iowa City Regina Regals (17-13 overall) in straight sets (8-21, 13-21).

The results pushed IMS into the championship bracket of the tournament. Their semifinal opponent turned out to be the Wilton Beavers, who went through their pool play matches undefeated. After dropping the first game 12-25, IMS battled back to win the match over the Beavers, (25-21, 15-13).

The victory advanced the Iowa Mennonite School into a rematch with Iowa City Regina for the tournament championship. The result mimicked the one during the team’s pool play match with the Regals taking the championship in straight sets (19-25, 9-25).

IMS has several notable performances during their second place finish at the Demon Volleyball Classic. Sophomore Alijah Beatty assisted on 60 points during the tournament, and dug up 33 balls. Senior Natalie Graber smashed 29 kills and 21 digs during the five matches. Senior Jessica Bender recorded 18 kills and five aces during Saturday’s play.

The results pushed the Iowa Mennonite School’s regular season record to 12-17 overall. IMS returns to Southeast Iowa Super Conference North play this Tuesday, traveling to Mediapolis to face the Bullettes (23-9 overall).