The Washington Demons are gearing up to face some of their fiercest rivals tonight when they travel to Fort Madison for the first round of this year’s Southeast Conference Volleyball Tournament. Washington is 8-15 overall this season but went 3-2 in conference play, with both losses in at least four sets.

Washington has been led by sophomore Leighton Messinger, who has team highs of 209 kills and 29 serving aces and has also posted 163 digs and 10 blocked shots. Junior Ella Greiner has also been a force at outside hitter with 98 kills, 20 aces and 178 digs.

Demon sophomore Taylor Miksch has emerged as a key player with 71 kills, 19 aces and 125 digs, while senior middle blockers Maci Williams and Caitlin Kroll have combined for 56 kills and 27 blocks.

Senior Remy Messinger has been solid as a front-row setter with 28 kills and 186 assists, while junior Lauren Hinrichsen covers the back row with 204 assists, 20 aces and 79 digs. Washington will face Keokuk, Mount Pleasant and Fort Madison this evening, with the second round of the conference tournament taking place next Tuesday on the Demons’ home floor.