The players on the Ankeny volleyball team aren't just teammates. They're also best friends--and perhaps that's a big part of their success. The third-ranked Hawkettes advanced to the state tournament for the seventh consecutive year by sweeping No. 11 Iowa City High, 25-15, 25-10, 27-25, in a Class 5A regional final on Tuesday at Ankeny. "We're all … [Read more...] about ‘It’s just really special’: Hawkettes sweep Iowa City High, earn another trip to state
Baileigh Carlsen
‘We had great energy’: Hawkettes sweep C.R. Jefferson, will host City High next
There were a lot of mismatches on Thursday in the semifinal round of the Class 5A regional volleyball tournaments. One of the lopsided affairs came at Ankeny, where the third-ranked Hawkettes rolled to a 25-10, 25-10, 25-18 victory over Cedar Rapids Jefferson. The J-Hawks finished the season with a 7-28 record. "We had great energy and controlled our … [Read more...] about ‘We had great energy’: Hawkettes sweep C.R. Jefferson, will host City High next
‘We needed that really bad’: Hawkettes top Dowling, move into tie for 3rd place
After losing to its crosstown rival five days earlier, the Ankeny volleyball team couldn't afford another loss. The third-ranked Hawkettes responded with one of their biggest wins of the season. Ankeny moved into a third-place tie with No. 4 Dowling Catholic in the CIML Conference by posting a 25-23, 21-25, 25-16, 25-20 victory over the visiting … [Read more...] about ‘We needed that really bad’: Hawkettes top Dowling, move into tie for 3rd place
Carlsen reaches milestone as Hawkettes capture 3rd straight Waukee Invite crown
It's been a good week for Baileigh Carlsen and the Ankeny volleyball team. Carlsen recorded her 1,000th career dig as the third-ranked Hawkettes won the Waukee Invitational on Saturday for the third consecutive year. "Honestly, I didn't really know that I was about to hit 1,000--especially this tournament," said Carlsen, a senior libero and Auburn … [Read more...] about Carlsen reaches milestone as Hawkettes capture 3rd straight Waukee Invite crown
‘Unfinished business’: Hawkettes qualify for state, get rematch vs. Centennial
The Ankeny volleyball team got the rematch that many of the Hawkettes wanted. After sweeping visiting Iowa City Liberty in a Class 5A regional final on Tuesday, seventh-ranked Ankeny will face No. 2 Ankeny Centennial in the quarterfinals of the state tournament on Monday at Xtream Arena in Coralville, beginning at 12:25 p.m. "I would love to go against … [Read more...] about ‘Unfinished business’: Hawkettes qualify for state, get rematch vs. Centennial
Ankeny Fanatic Podcast: Episode 236
In the latest edition of the Ankeny Fanatic weekly podcast sponsored by Coldwell Banker Mid-America, publisher Dan Holm breaks down the start of the volleyball postseason with junior outside hitter Delaney Miller of Ankeny Centennial and junior libero Baileigh Carlsen of Ankeny. … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Podcast: Episode 236
Hawkettes sweep Valley to avenge pair of losses, finish 4th in CIML Conference
In two previous matchups against sixth-ranked Valley, the No. 8 Ankeny volleyball team was unable to get over the hump. The third time proved to be a charm. The Hawkettes closed out their CIML Conference schedule on Tuesday with a 27-25, 25-14, 25-22 victory over visiting Valley. "It was an emotional Senior Night, but the team came to play," said … [Read more...] about Hawkettes sweep Valley to avenge pair of losses, finish 4th in CIML Conference
Revive Clinic and Spa Prep of the Week: Baileigh Carlsen, Ankeny volleyball
Junior libero Baileigh Carlsen has helped the fifth-ranked Ankeny volleyball team to a 17-7 record. She had 10 digs and two aces on Tuesday as the Hawkettes posted a 25-21, 25-14, 25-16 victory at Southeast Polk to improve their mark to 3-1 in the CIML Conference. Carlsen leads Class 5A and ranks 19th in the entire state with 292 digs. She has completed … [Read more...] about Revive Clinic and Spa Prep of the Week: Baileigh Carlsen, Ankeny volleyball
War Eagle!: Ankeny defensive specialist Carlsen to play volleyball at Auburn
Ankeny defensive specialist Baileigh Carlsen has verbally committed to play volleyball at Auburn, beginning in the fall of 2025. Carlsen, a junior, announced her decision on social media Wednesday. "I'm super excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at Auburn University!" she wrote. "I would love to thank … [Read more...] about War Eagle!: Ankeny defensive specialist Carlsen to play volleyball at Auburn
‘I knew we could pull through’: Hawkettes rally for five-set victory at Waukee NW
The Ankeny volleyball team just keeps finding ways to win. The fourth-ranked Hawkettes moved into sole possession of first place in the CIML Conference with a thrilling five-set victory at No. 5 Waukee Northwest on Tuesday. After dropping two of the first three sets, Ankeny rallied for a 13-25, 25-17, 23-25, 25-23, 15-9 win over the Wolves. "You … [Read more...] about ‘I knew we could pull through’: Hawkettes rally for five-set victory at Waukee NW