Senior outside hitter Ellie Pollock has helped the sixth-ranked Ankeny Centennial volleyball team to a 13-4 record. The Jaguars advanced to the semifinals of the Metro Classic on Saturday at Southeast Polk before falling in three sets to No. 2 Dallas Center-Grimes, 16-21,, 21-19, 15-13.
Pollock ranks second among the Jaguars with 125 digs. She has also contributed 53 kills and 12 aces.
Pollock was named to the CIML Conference third team as a junior, when she helped Centennial to a 34-6 mark and a runner-up finish in Class 5A.
Here is some inside info on Pollock:
How is the season going thus far?
It’s going well! Everyone put in tons of work over the summer, and we are still working toward our peak. But every game is more experience under our belts!
What has been the highlight for you?
The Iowa City High tournament (on Sept. 5) was definitely a team highlight so far. It was an early morning, but we showed up, played hard, and took care of business in all aspects. Everyone got playing time, and the energy was high from everyone all day.
I thought your team played some great volleyball in a sweep at Waukee on Tuesday. Do you think that was the best that you guys have played?
Tuesday was a good game for everyone. It felt flowy, and we were in system the whole game. Our start was a little slow, but it was good to see us pick it up and be able to finish it out in three (sets). I think it was a good realization within the team that we can play really good ball when all positions are firing at 100 percent.
What did you think of your team’s performance on Saturday?
We had big goals for Saturday that we just fell short of. We started the day slow, but progressively picked it up as the day went on.
That was your first look at Dallas Center-Grimes this season. What did you think of the Mustangs?
DC-G is solid. They’ve got good players, and they’re aggressive. I think everyone on the team would say they want another shot at them.
It sounds like you had a chance to win both the second and third sets to close out the match. Did DC-G just make more plays at crucial times?
We have put a big emphasis on strong starts all season, and the game against DC-G was the first time we truly started well. We just couldn’t quite close it out. Everyone played hard the whole game. I’m incredibly proud of everyone as this was our third straight weekend tournament. Especially with all the new players we have, there isn’t a ton of experience, but everyone has really bought in to working hard and showing up to get the job done.
Your team will now host Ankeny in the Jag-Hawk showdown on Tuesday. Are you even more motivated for this crosstown rivalry match since it could be your last one, and I’m sure you’d like to avenge last year’s loss?
Ankeny is going to be a battle; it always is. Even though we’ve got a lot of new players, everyone wants to beat them the same. It’s an intense game, but I’m completely confident that we can stay connected and play together. Monday’s practice will be crucial in starting the energy and aggressiveness that we are going to play with on Tuesday, and I think everyone has bought in to make it a good, productive practice.
You probably saw the Hawkettes a little bit at the Centennial Early Bird Invitational last month. What sticks out about this year’s Ankeny team?
Ankeny has a lot of good talent this year. They’ve got more height than us, but height alone can’t win games.
What will be the keys for your team to come out on top?
The key for us is playing solid and connected. Throughout the season, we’ve noticed a common denominator in wins and losses so if we can just stay locked in and keep playing together, it should be a good night.
After reaching the Class 5A championship match a year ago, I’m sure you’d love to get back to the state tournament and take that last step to close out your Jaguar career with a title. Do you think this team is capable of accomplishing that goal?
I think the 5A championship is anyone’s game this year. Every team has a good chance of winning. We will keep improving and pushing ourselves and each other to get to our final goal of being the last team standing. Our team is incredibly privileged to have three or four people in every position. It makes practices more competitive and makes everyone on the court feel more confident knowing there is always someone there to relieve them if they need a second. Everyone on the team is valued and gives so much, there isn’t any unfriendly competition for positions. Everyone is supportive of each other.
Plans for next year? Are you going to play volleyball in college?
I’ve played volleyball since third grade and it has been a huge part of my life, but I’m not currently planning to play in college. My plans for next year aren’t completely set in stone, but as of right now, I’m thinking Iowa State for elementary education.