The first point of Tuesday’s volleyball match between seventh-ranked Ankeny Centennial and visiting Marshalltown was a sign of things to come.
Peyton Mitchell served for the Jaguars, and the ball deflected off the net and fell in for an ace.
Centennial went on to record 13 aces in a 25-17, 25-11, 25-8 victory over the Bobcats. The Jaguars improved to 2-0 in the CIML Iowa Conference and 12-3 overall, while Marshalltown’s records dropped to 0-2 and 1-5.
“It was good to get another ‘W’,” said Centennial coach Jessica Rinehart. “We started a little slow, but got better as the night went on. We were able to implement some specific things we’ve been working on in practice, which will be valuable down the road.”
Centennial built a big lead in the opening set before Marshalltown rallied. The Jaguars eventually held on for the win, then dominated the next two sets to complete the sweep.
“Our motto this year has been: ‘All Gas. No Brakes,'” said Centennial libero Ella Becker, who finished with 16 digs and a pair of aces. “And I feel like after that first set and after getting going, I feel like we were all gas.”
Monica Mirembe led Centennial with 11 kills. Olivia Anderson chipped in nine, and Delainey Winkel added five.
Morgan DenBeste dished out 30 assists. DenBeste and Anderson also had three aces apiece.
Mitchell and Marissa Meyer each contributed two blocks.
“All in all, it was great to play at home, pick up the win and take another step forward,” Rinehart said.
The Jaguars have won their last six matches. They were coming off a 4-0 day at the Iowa City High Invitational on Saturday.
“I feel like our flow is a lot better,” Becker said. “Our passing and setting and hitting was all connected over the weekend, and that’s what we’ve really been working on in practice.”
Centennial will play in the Southeast Polk Invitational on Saturday.
