Senior libero Katelyn Mescher has helped the Ankeny volleyball team to a 22-5 record and a No. 3 ranking in Class 5A. She led the Hawkettes and ranked third in Class 5A with 190 digs going into Saturday’s Waukee Invitational.
Mescher was tied for second on her team with 22 aces prior to Saturday. She had completed 201 of 219 serves (91.8 percent).
Here is some inside info on Mescher:
Congratulations on a great start to the season. What has been the key to the team’s success?
I think our trust in each other has been a huge factor this year. We all trust that each person is going to do their part and step up when needed. We really take pride in playing for each other, which makes the game so fun.
You took over the libero position after all-stater Hailey Flanders graduated last spring. Did you learn a lot from playing with Hailey last year, and has it been a smooth transition for you to the starting role?
Yeah, I definitely learned a lot from playing with Hailey, especially at practices. She was such a great example to look up to. I think it’s been a pretty smooth transition! All of the summer training and scrimmages definitely helped me feel more comfortable!
Your team went 3-2 at the Waukee Invitational. What did you think of your team’s performance?
Although we didn’t quite get the outcome we had hoped for, I’m really proud of how we dealt with some adversity. We are dealing with a few injuries and (played) a few different lineups, but I thought the team handled it very well.
Your team started a busy week with a four-set victory on Tuesday at No. 5 Ankeny Centennial, where you served a pair of aces to close out the match. How did it feel to beat your crosstown rival for the second straight year?
It felt great! We’d been looking forward to that game for a while, so getting the win felt amazing. The energy in the gym was awesome, which made it so fun to play.
What adjustments, if any, did your team make after losing the first set to the Jaguars?
We switched our lineup to a 5-1 instead of a 6-2 with Kellen (Roush) and Hailey (Wiederin) staying in. I think the main thing, though, was just cleaning up our side a little more. Once we cleaned up our ball control, we were able to go on runs.
You then had four aces and 12 digs in another four-set win over No. 9 Valley on Thursday, when Wiederin smashed 26 kills and posted a .442 hitting percentage. Do you feel like Hailey has established herself as one of the state’s best players, and are you glad that you don’t have to play against her?
I think Hailey is 100 percent one of, if not the best, players in the state. I’m so glad I don’t have to play against her. She’s not only a huge threat in the front row, but in the back row as well.
Ankeny is just one of two remaining unbeaten teams in CIML Conference play. Is winning the conference title a big goal for this team, or are you more focused on winning the ultimate prize–the Class 5A state championship?
I think we’re mainly focused on the state championship. We use that as motivation throughout the season, and even have a countdown going in the locker room–for the number of weeks left until state.
Your team will play at No. 15 Johnston on Tuesday before hosting No. 1 Waukee Northwest on Thursday. If you can beat the Dragons, then Thursday’s match will be a showdown for first place in the conference. What did you learn about the Wolves during your loss to them in the finals of the Centennial Early Bird Invitational on Aug. 29?
It was super fun for us to compete against some of the best talent in the state. They’re a super scrappy team, and also have hitters who can put the ball down. They went on a few runs against us, but if we can limit those, I think we’ll be good.
What will it take to beat Northwest?
I think we just need to focus on our side. Ball control will be huge, especially the serve and pass game. Limiting runs will be super important as well.
Plans for next year? Are you planning to play volleyball in college?
I plan on attending Coe College to continue playing volleyball.
What are you going to study?
I am going to major in Business.