It was a great showing for KCII area schools at the season opening Keota volleyball tournament Monday. In attendance from the KCII listening area were Mid-Prairie, Highland, Lone Tree and the homestanding Eagles. The Mid-Prairie Golden Hawks won the tournament for the fourth consecutive season. In pool play, the Golden Hawks swept through Highland and Lone Tree in straight sets, beating Lone Tree in their opener 25-19 and 25-11 before handling the Huskies 25-11 and 25-14. In the championship match, it was Mid-Prairie again with the brooms, this time over Keota 25-17 and 25-19.
On the night, Mid-Prairie was led by Ella Groenewold with 13 kills, Maddie and Maya Nonnenmann each had 11. After the tournament, Golden Hawk head coach Sherry Evans talked about her key players and takeaways on the night. “Initially we started the night a little nervous. Trying to get those first match jitters out of the way we came out a little flat. We did enough things well to beat Lone Tree and then we came out on fire against Highland. The girls did everything we ask. Their communication was good, the offense was quick tempo. Between the Highland match and the championship against Keota we had quite a long break. It seemed like due in part to that we came out a little flat again. Once we got going though, the communication came around and we started doing things well. The back row so far this season has been on it. They are doing different kinds of serve receive. We are challenging them with two man or three man. Brenna Jehle stepped up setting so that we could have a second setter and get Landry Pacha some swings. Very pleased with the front row and their blocking. Maddie and Maya Nonnenmann with their swings, Ella Groenewold also. Landry Pacha continues to amaze me. She can set, dig, hit and do it all. Overall, I’m very happy with tonight.”
The Golden Hawks are now 3-0 on the year.
Keota got to the title match with victories in pool A over English Valleys, including a thrilling 25-23 clinching set victory over the Bears and a sweep of Tri-County. The Eagles are now 2-1 after their runner-up finish.
Highland brought home a third place finish after going 1-1 in pool play. Following their loss to Mid-Prairie, the Huskies rebounded to take out rival Lone Tree 25-20 and 25-21. In the third place bout the Huskies swept the EV Bears 25-21 and 25-17. The Huskies are also 2-1.
Lone Tree finished in fifth place on the night. After dropping pool play matches to Mid-Prairie and Highland, the Lady Lions closed the evening with a sweep of Tri-County 25-22 and 25-15. Lone Tree is 1-2 on the season.