Four local volleyball teams started their season Monday at the annual Keota Eagle Invitational.

The Hillcrest Academy Ravens came away with the team title to cap off a 3-0 night. Hillcrest opened with a 21-12 and 21-18 win over English Valleys, then beat Highland in three 15-21, 21-10 and 15-8 to wrap up pool play before topping Lone Tree in the title match in straight sets. After the championship, Raven senior captains Kylee Statler and Malia Yoder spoke with KCII sports about the night.

Yoder said, “Last year we lost in the championship match. We really just wanted to come back for redemption and I’m so proud of us for doing that! We were more aggressive with our attacks. We were trying to look for our all of our hitters and mix it up with some tips.”

Statler continued, “Our defense was a little off, but we got into the flow. There was a lot of good tips and finding spots on the court. Our hard work has paid off a lot!”

The runner-up Lions went 2-1 on the evening, winning their pool play matches in three sets each. The first over Cedar Valley Christian 21-9, 17-21 and 15-6. The second over the Eagles on their home floor 21-16, 21-23 and 16-14.

Keota took third with their 2-1 night, beating CVC 21-11 and 21-17 and topping Highland in the third place match 21-10 and 21-16.

The Huskies finished fourth, beating English Valleys in three 21-18, 9-21 and 15-12 to go with their defeats against Hillcrest and Keota.