Dave Whims and his Ankeny volleyball players are still getting used to each other. On Tuesday, it proved to be a winning combination. The third-ranked Hawkettes rallied from a 2-1 deficit to beat No. 5 Waukee, 19-25, 27-25, 27-29, 25-18, 15-9, in a season-opening match at Ankeny. It was the first win for Whims since the 2014 season, when he retired … [Read more...] about ‘It was very nerve-racking’: Hawkettes outlast Waukee in 5 sets in opener
Volleyball
Hall of Famer Whims returns to coach loaded Ankeny volleyball squad
A familiar face will be back on the bench Tuesday when the Ankeny volleyball team opens its season against visiting Waukee. Legendary coach Dave Whims is beginning his second stint as the Hawkettes' head coach. He took over the program following the departure of Joe Morton, who guided Ankeny to a 31-13 record and a state tournament appearance last … [Read more...] about Hall of Famer Whims returns to coach loaded Ankeny volleyball squad
Ankeny libero Behrens to play volleyball at William Jewell College
Ankeny volleyball standout Kaci Behrens won't have the pressure of her future plans weighing on her mind when she takes the court this fall. The senior libero announced via Twitter earlier this week that she has made a verbal commitment. "Super pumped to announce my commitment to play college volleyball and further my academic career at William … [Read more...] about Ankeny libero Behrens to play volleyball at William Jewell College
HE’S BAAAAAACK: Hall of Fame Coach Whims returns to Ankeny volleyball post
When Dave Whims retired as Ankeny's volleyball coach in 2014, he left as the state's all-time leader in coaching victories with 982. Whims was only 18 wins shy of the 1,000-victory career mark, but it appeared that he would not be able to reach the milestone. Now, he probably will. Whims has come out of retirement to again coach the Ankeny … [Read more...] about HE’S BAAAAAACK: Hall of Fame Coach Whims returns to Ankeny volleyball post
Vacek commits to play volleyball at Wayne State, will reunite with Ballenger
Ankeny's Isabelle Vacek has known for a long time that she wanted to continue her volleyball career at Wayne State College. Earlier this week, the junior outside hitter made it official. Vacek verbally committed to play for the Wildcats, beginning in the 2020 season. "I'm so excited," said Vacek. "I've been wanting to go there forever, but I tried … [Read more...] about Vacek commits to play volleyball at Wayne State, will reunite with Ballenger
Ankeny volleyball coach makes ‘tough decision to walk away’ from program
Ankeny volleyball coach Joe Morton has resigned from his position after four years at the school. Morton compiled a 116-48 record after replacing longtime Ankeny coach Dave Whims in 2015. He guided the Hawkettes to a pair of state tournament appearances. "It's always a tough decision to walk away," said Morton. "I tried to reassure the kids when I met … [Read more...] about Ankeny volleyball coach makes ‘tough decision to walk away’ from program
Hawkettes fall to Valley for 4th time, finish season at 31-13
The Ankeny volleyball team got off to a shaky start Tuesday in the quarterfinals of the Class 5A state tournament. The Hawkettes never recovered. Third-ranked Valley jumped out to a 14-4 lead in the opening set and went on to post a 25-12, 25-17, 25-18 victory over No. 6 Ankeny at the U.S. Cellular Center in Cedar Rapids. The Hawkettes finished the … [Read more...] about Hawkettes fall to Valley for 4th time, finish season at 31-13
Revive Clinic and Spa Prep of the Week: Isabelle Vacek, Ankeny volleyball
Junior outside hitter Isabelle Vacek has helped the sixth-ranked Ankeny volleyball team to a 31-12 record and a berth in this week's Class 5A state tournament at Cedar Rapids. She was named to the CIML Central Conference first team. Vacek leads the Hawkettes with 348 kills. She has also contributed 82 blocks, 134 digs and 34 aces. Here is some inside … [Read more...] about Revive Clinic and Spa Prep of the Week: Isabelle Vacek, Ankeny volleyball
Blimpie Sub of the Week: Lauren Willets, Ankeny volleyball
Junior Lauren Willets of the Ankeny volleyball team is the Ankeny Fanatic Sub of the Week sponsored by Blimpie. Willets has helped sixth-ranked Ankeny to a 31-12 record and a berth in next week's Class 5A state tournament at Cedar Rapids. The Hawkettes will face No. 3 Valley in Tuesday's quarterfinals at 2 p.m. Willets has played in 30 sets this … [Read more...] about Blimpie Sub of the Week: Lauren Willets, Ankeny volleyball
Hawkettes punch their ticket to Cedar Rapids with sweep over Ames
After being swept off its own court by Ankeny Centennial four weeks ago, the Ankeny volleyball team needed to regroup. The sixth-ranked Hawkettes have done just that, winning eight of their last nine matches and punching their ticket to the Class 5A state tournament with a 25-12, 25-20, 25-11 victory over visiting Ames in a regional final on Monday. "I … [Read more...] about Hawkettes punch their ticket to Cedar Rapids with sweep over Ames
Hawkettes roll past Marshalltown, move closer to state tourney
The Ankeny volleyball team proved on Tuesday that the Hawkettes don't have to rely on just one or two hitters. Five different players had six or more kills as sixth-ranked Ankeny opened postseason play with a 25-11, 25-12, 25-7 victory over visiting Marshalltown in a Class 5A regional semifinal. The Hawkettes (30-12) hit .461 as a team, committing just … [Read more...] about Hawkettes roll past Marshalltown, move closer to state tourney
Marshalltown volleyball coach is very familiar with Ankeny’s Morton
Ankeny volleyball coach Joe Morton will be plotting strategy against a familiar colleague on Tuesday. The sixth-ranked Hawkettes (29-12) will host Marshalltown (13-20) in a Class 5A regional semifinal at 7 p.m. The Bobcats are coached by Chris Brees, who has coached club volleyball with Morton. "(Morton) was my assistant in club before, so I know his … [Read more...] about Marshalltown volleyball coach is very familiar with Ankeny’s Morton
Hawkettes sweep Johnston, earn runner-up finish in conference
The Ankeny volleyball team will take some momentum into postseason play. That is, if the Hawkettes can avoid getting rusty over the next two weeks. Sixth-ranked Ankeny completed its regular season on Tuesday with a 25-20, 25-9, 25-18 victory at No. 15 Johnston. The win allowed the Hawkettes to wrap up a second-place finish in the CIML Central … [Read more...] about Hawkettes sweep Johnston, earn runner-up finish in conference
Hawkettes overcome injury to Behrens, claim Bettendorf championship
When the Ankeny volleyball team lost Kaci Behrens to an apparent concussion during the Bettendorf Invitational on Saturday, the Hawkettes didn't panic. Senior Karly Weber took over the libero position and helped sixth-ranked to a 5-1 record in the round-robin tournament. The Hawkettes, who improved to 28-12 overall, captured the Bettendorf title for the … [Read more...] about Hawkettes overcome injury to Behrens, claim Bettendorf championship
Hawkettes sweep another conference foe, setting up showdown for crown
Isabelle Vacek and the Ankeny volleyball team didn't get caught looking ahead on Tuesday. Vacek pounded 11 kills to lead the sixth-ranked Hawkettes to a 25-21, 25-17, 25-14 victory at No. 11 Ames. The win sets up a showdown against No. 2 Ankeny Centennial for the CIML Central Conference title on Oct. 2. "We were happy to walk away with a sweep--the … [Read more...] about Hawkettes sweep another conference foe, setting up showdown for crown
Hawkettes rally past Waverly-Shell Rock to claim Boone Invitational title
A few days of hard work on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday resulted in a tournament title for the Ankeny volleyball team on Saturday. The sixth-ranked Hawkettes rallied from a one-set deficit to beat Waverly-Shell Rock, 19-25, 25-18, 15-8, in the championship match of the Boone Invitational. It was Ankeny's 10th victory over a ranked opponent--the Go-Hawks … [Read more...] about Hawkettes rally past Waverly-Shell Rock to claim Boone Invitational title
Revive Clinic and Spa Prep of the Week: Taylor Richards, Ankeny volleyball
Senior outside hitter Taylor Richards has helped the Ankeny volleyball team to a 22-10 record and a No. 6 ranking in Class 5A. The Hawkettes won the Boone Invitational title on Saturday. Prior to the tournament, Richards ranked second on the team with 163 kills, 180 digs and 20 aces. She had compiled a .203 hitting percentage. Here is some inside info … [Read more...] about Revive Clinic and Spa Prep of the Week: Taylor Richards, Ankeny volleyball
Hawkettes sweep No. 6 Urbandale, stay tied with Jaguars for league lead
The Ankeny volleyball team appears to be on a collision course with its crosstown rival for the CIML Central Conference championship. The seventh-ranked Hawkettes are tied with No. 2 Ankeny Centennial for the league lead after sweeping No. 6 Urbandale on Tuesday at Ankeny. Both Ankeny schools are now 2-0 in the conference with three matches remaining, … [Read more...] about Hawkettes sweep No. 6 Urbandale, stay tied with Jaguars for league lead
Blimpie Sub of the Week: Karly Weber, Ankeny volleyball
Karly Weber of the Ankeny volleyball team is the Ankeny Fanatic Sub of the Week sponsored by Blimpie. Weber, a senior defensive specialist, has helped seventh-ranked Ankeny to a 17-10 record. The Hawkettes swept No. 6 Urbandale on Tuesday to improve to 2-0 in the CIML Central Conference. Prior to Tuesday, Weber had played in 47 sets this season. … [Read more...] about Blimpie Sub of the Week: Karly Weber, Ankeny volleyball
Hawkettes open conference play with sweep over Dowling Catholic
The rubber match turned into a mismatch. After splitting two previous meetings against sixth-ranked Dowling Catholic, the No. 10 Ankeny volleyball team rolled to a 25-11, 25-21, 25-15 victory over the visiting Maroons on Tuesday. It was the CIML Central Conference opener for both squads. "I think our excitement (helped us), just being on our home court … [Read more...] about Hawkettes open conference play with sweep over Dowling Catholic