The Washington Demons began a new season of volleyball by winning a pair of matches Saturday at the Grinnell Tournament. Washington toppled Urbandale in straight sets, 21-16 and 25-23, before sweeping Iowa City West by set scores of 21-16 and 21-18.

The Demons did take three losses. Washington dropped both sets to Dallas Center-Grimes, the ninth-ranked team in the state in Class 4A, as well as to sixth-ranked Clear Creek Amana.

After losing 21-15 and 21-16 to the Mustangs, Washington was beaten by the Clippers 21-8 and 21-17. The Demons got a second crack against DCG but again were swept, falling 21-18 and 21-14.

Junior outside hitter Leighton Messinger led Washington for the tournament with 27 total kills while also adding four serving aces and 14 digs. Ella Greiner had a team-best eight aces to go with 15 kills and 18 digs, while fellow senior Lauren Hinrichsen had team highs of 22 digs and 64 assists at setter.

Junior hitter Taylor Miksch finished the tournament with 11 kills, three aces and four blocked shots, while sophomore middle blocker Layla Green had 11 kills and six blocks as the Demons start the season with a 2-3 record. Washington next plays tonight as they start conference play by traveling to face Fort Madison.