The sixth-ranked Ankeny Centennial volleyball team extended its winning streak to nine matches on Saturday before falling to No. 2 Dallas Center-Grimes in the semifinals of the Metro Classic at Southeast Polk.
The Mustangs (18-0) posted a 16-21, 21-19, 15-13 victory to advance to the championship match, where they then defeated No. 12 Waukee in three sets to claim the title and remain unbeaten on the season.
“I was really proud of the way our girls stepped up against DC-G,” said Centennial coach Jessica Rinehart, whose team is now 13-4. “We put ourselves in a position to win both games 2 and 3 and couldn’t capitalize.”
After winning the first set, Centennial built a 16-12 lead in Set 2 and was just five points away from closing out the match. But the Mustangs then went on a 9-3 run to force a decisive Set 3.
The Jaguars then took a 10-5 lead and were again just five points away from advancing to the finals. But Dallas Center-Grimes then answered with a 10-3 run to close out the match.
“We’ve been working on fast starts and we did just that–which was good to see–but now we need to work on finishing–which we will do!” Rinehart said.
Sophia Heither led Centennial with nine kills against the Mustangs, and Bailey Snyder chipped in seven. Sidney Rogers added four kills and three blocks, while Kaelyn Rinehart racked up 12 digs.
Ellie Pollock had four kills and six digs for the Jaguars. She also completed 13-of-14 serves and had the team’s only ace.
“Ellie has stepped up for us on the court and as a leader, and we’re proud of what she is bringing to the court!” Rinehart said. “We look forward to her to continue to lead this team in big matches and are excited for what she will do in her senior year!”
Centennial swept all three of its opponents during pool play. The Jaguars had a close match against No. 13 Indianola but held on for a 21-18, 25-23 victory.
Rinehart’s team also posted wins over Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont, 21-10, 21-14, and Class 4A No. 9 Sioux City Heelan, 21-11, 21-10.
Centennial will host a CIML Conference match against No. 3 Ankeny (16-3) on Tuesday. The Jaguars will be looking to avenge last year’s loss in the rivalry match.