(Story by Isaiah Pine)
The Ankeny volleyball team has historically dominated Valley, and Thursday’s match was no different.
Junior Hailey Wiederin racked up 26 kills as the third-ranked Hawkettes posted a 25-16, 23-25, 25-17, 25-13 victory at the AHS gym. Elle Isaacson chipped in 12 kills, and Marlee Ellison added 10.
The win improved Ankeny to 3-0 in the CIML Conference and 19-3 overall. No. 9 Valley’s records dropped to 2-2 and 11-6.
The Hawkettes moved into sole possession of second place in the conference behind No. 1 Waukee Northwest, which survived a five-set match at No. 4 Dowling Catholic to remain atop the league standings. The Wolves (4-0) will visit Ankeny next Thursday.
Coach Liz Baethke’s team used an early 7-0 run to take control of the first set. After the Tigers won a close second set, Ankeny regrouped and easily won the next two sets to close out the match.
Sophomore Kellen Roush dished out 47 assists as the Hawkettes posted a .339 hitting percentage. They recorded 57 kills on the night while committing just 15 hitting errors.
Quinn Roush led the Ankeny defense with seven blocks, while Raquel Risk added six. Isaacson and Katelyn Mescher each contributed 12 digs.
Mescher also completed 29-of-30 serves and had four of the team’s seven aces. Isaacson was a perfect 17-of-17 from behind the line and also had an ace.
The Hawkettes will look to continue their winning ways on Saturday at the Waukee Invitational.
