Photo Courtesy of Mid-Prairie Volleyball Social Media
The No. 8 in Class 3A Mid-Prairie Golden Hawk volleyball team swept their way through the semifinal round of the regional tournament Thursday. The Golden Hawks beat the visiting Albia Lady Dees in straight sets 25-6, 25-11 and 25-14. Following the match, Mid-Prairie’s Katelyn Harland, Brylee Gearhart and Lanee Duwa joined the KCII Postgame show live to talk about the win.
Harland said, “We talked about having lots of tempo tonight and starting fast. We talked about focusing on their one big hitter. They were a lot taller and had a really big block. It’s especially fun when the other team doesn’t know who the ball is going to and you get the perfect set and the opportunity to smack that ball! It’s so amazing!”
Gearhart continued, “I really think we set the tone for the entire game. The blocks at the net, playing fast, getting there, reading the hitters. Eye work has been something we have worked on all season. I think things are coming together at the right point in the season. (When I get a block) It feels amazing just to know that I scored a point and everyone’s getting hyped for you. It’s just so much fun!”
Duwa added, “(This is about) the whole team and coaches. None of this would be possible without them. I wasn’t really keeping track until the end of the season because it’s always been a goal of mine since my freshman year to reach 1,000 digs. I knew I was close, I just had to put in the effort. Everyday part of our warmup is doing serve and pass. We get so many reps. When you do it in practice, you also do it in a game.”
Stat leaders on the night for the Hawks included Avery Helmuth with 19 assists, Jovi Evans with 16 assists and 13 kills, Callie Huber with eight kills, Dakota Mitchell with 15 digs and three aces, Harland with 12 digs, Jeorgia Evans had four aces and two blocks. Golden Hawk senior Lanee Duwa was honored post-match for reaching the 1,000 dig milestone. The win was the 32nd of the season for the Golden Hawks, a new school record. Mid-Prairie takes their 32-8 record into the regional finals Tuesday when they host No. 10 Wilton, with a bid to state on the line.