In two previous matchups against sixth-ranked Valley, the No. 8 Ankeny volleyball team was unable to get over the hump.
The third time proved to be a charm.
The Hawkettes closed out their CIML Conference schedule on Tuesday with a 27-25, 25-14, 25-22 victory over visiting Valley.
“It was an emotional Senior Night, but the team came to play,” said Ankeny coach Liz Baethke. “We were out of the gate slow, but once we were in rhythm, it was hard stopping us.”
The win allowed Ankeny to earn a fourth-place finish in the nine-team conference. The Hawkettes finished 5-3 in the league and improved to 21-12 overall, while Valley’s records dropped to 2-6 and 16-12.
“At practice, we have been super focused and working hard on all of our weaknesses that we had during our recent losses,” said Ankeny libero Baileigh Carlsen. “This win really helps boost our confidence since we were able to put into play all of our hard work we’ve been putting in during the last week or two at practice. We are super excited to know that we are capable of playing at such a high level.”
The Tigers had defeated Ankeny in three sets at the Marj White Classic on Sept. 2 at Valley. Two weeks later, they again beat the Hawkettes in three sets at the Waukee Invitational.
On Tuesday, Ankeny avenged those losses in convincing fashion.
“The girls played for each other, and that’s an awesome dynamic to see as we head into the postseason,” Baethke said.
Kamryn Scheib had 11 kills to lead the Hawkettes. Reagan Hanfelt contributed seven kills, while Maya Ridgeway and Ava Wille each added six.
Cloey Wiederin dished out 19 assists in the win. Lauren Dockendorff chipped in 10 assists and also had three aces.
Wille racked up nine blocks, and Ady Brecht had five. Carlsen finished with 26 digs, and Ilana Coleman added 10 while also completing all 12 of her serves.
Ankeny will compete in the Dike-New Hartford Quadrangular on Thursday.
