Only two South Iowa Cedar League volleyball teams took a set from North Mahaska, Sigourney and HLV. The Warhawks powered their way through the regular season undefeated then defeated Sigourney and HLV to earn the SICL tourney title.
In the semifinals, North Mahaska swept Sigourney 25-19, 25-21 and in the finals defeated HLV 25-21, 25-20, 23-25, 25-20.
“We wanted to not lose another set, but HLV was tough,” said NM coach Grace Cesera. “We thought we would be seeing Belle Plaine, but HLV upset them. These girls have worked hard this year, and it is a tribute to them.”
In the Sigourney match, the trio of Nataliya Linder, Breckyn Schilling and Regan Grewe accounted for 19 kills. Linder had nine while Grewe and Schilling had five each. Linder also recorded two blocks. Kayla Readshaw doled out 13 assists.
Warhawks were diving all over the floor to keep balls in play. Sydney Andersen led with 12 digs, Carly Lake and Grewe had eight, Ally Livezey seven and Gracie DeGeest five. Lake, Readshaw and Linder each had a service ace.
Josephine Moore led Sigourney with eight kills and 12 digs.
North Mahaska took the first two sets from HLV in a closely contested match. HLV took the third one forcing NM to win the fourth to secure the title.
Ema Roberts paced HLV with 14 kills and five aces on 25-of-25 serving.
No stats were available at press time for North Mahaska in the championship match.
North Mahaska, 20-1, will host Pekin Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the first round of the Class 2A tournament.