Ankeny Fanatic

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Isabelle Vacek

Ballenger, Vacek return home for ‘amazing experience’ to play Cyclones

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The end of Alyssa Ballenger's collegiate volleyball career is just around the corner. Isabelle Vacek's career is just getting under way. Despite those differences, both former Ankeny standouts enjoyed returning to central Iowa last weekend as their Wayne State (Neb.) squad played a pair of exhibition matches against Iowa State at Hilton … [Read more...] about Ballenger, Vacek return home for ‘amazing experience’ to play Cyclones

Robinson, Schrader, Vacek unanimously named to all-conference first team

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No volleyball team in Iowa was able to defeat Class 5A state champion Cedar Falls this season. However, if you combined the eight members of the CIML Central Conference first team, that might be a squad that could knock off the Tigers. Just imagine Ankeny junior Phyona Schrader setting the ball for Ankeny Centennial senior Devyn Robinson, and the damage … [Read more...] about Robinson, Schrader, Vacek unanimously named to all-conference first team

Fast start ignites Ankeny volleyball team to sweep over rival Jaguars

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Whenever Ankeny Centennial's Devyn Robinson pounded a kill on Tuesday night, the Ankeny volleyball team usually responded with one or two of its own. The fourth-ranked Hawkettes overcame Robinson's match-high 17 kills to post a 25-14, 25-20, 25-14 victory at No. 9 Centennial. It was Ankeny's first win over the Jaguars since 2016. "Whenever Devyn got a … [Read more...] about Fast start ignites Ankeny volleyball team to sweep over rival Jaguars

Maroons sweep Ankeny, prevent Whims from reaching 1,000-victory mark

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The Dowling Catholic volleyball players had no desire to be a part of Dave Whims' 1,000th career win. The legendary Ankeny coach was hoping to reach the historic milestone on Tuesday, but the host Maroons had some other ideas. Fifth-ranked Dowling avenged an earlier loss with a 25-15, 25-22, 25-22 victory over the No. 2 Hawkettes in the CIML Central … [Read more...] about Maroons sweep Ankeny, prevent Whims from reaching 1,000-victory mark

Hawkettes continue their winning ways with victory over Mason City

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It would have been easy for the Ankeny volleyball team to have a letdown on Tuesday night. No such worries. Coming off a perfect 5-0 day at the Marge White Valley Invitational on Saturday, the second-ranked Hawkettes continued their winning ways with a 25-16, 25-16, 25-23 victory over visiting Mason City. They improved to 12-1 on the season, while the … [Read more...] about Hawkettes continue their winning ways with victory over Mason City

Vacek commits to play volleyball at Wayne State, will reunite with Ballenger

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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

Blimpie Sub of the Week: Isabelle Vacek, Ankeny girls’ basketball

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Isabelle Vacek was one of the top reserves on the Ankeny girls' basketball team. The junior post player helped the Hawkettes to a 9-12 record this season. She scored a career-high 10 points and grabbed eight rebounds in a 63-24 victory over visiting Des Moines North on Nov. 27. Vacek averaged 2.7 points and 2.5 rebounds per game. She made 63.9 … [Read more...] about Blimpie Sub of the Week: Isabelle Vacek, Ankeny girls’ basketball

Centennial’s Robinson, Sauer named to Elite all-state volleyball team

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Ankeny Centennial volleyball standouts Devyn Robinson and Kenna Sauer have been named to the Elite all-state team by the Iowa Girls' Coaches Association. Both players were also selected to the Class 5A first team after leading the Jaguars to their fourth state title in five years. Robinson, a junior middle hitter, was a repeat selection to both squads. … [Read more...] about Centennial’s Robinson, Sauer named to Elite all-state volleyball team

McCullough, Hawkettes look to build on last year’s success

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The Ankeny girls' basketball team advanced to a Class 5A regional final last year for the first time since the split into two high schools. The Hawkettes also reached double digits in victories for the first time, finishing with an 11-12 record in their second season under coach Dru McAnelly. Now, McAnelly's goal is to take the program to even greater … [Read more...] about McCullough, Hawkettes look to build on last year’s success

Hawkettes fall to Valley for 4th time, finish season at 31-13

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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

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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

Marshalltown volleyball coach is very familiar with Ankeny’s Morton

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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

Jaguars sweep past Ankeny, clinch share of Central Conference crown

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There was more at stake on Tuesday than the CIML Central Conference volleyball title. The crosstown bragging rights were also on the line. After posting a five-set victory at Ankeny last year, second-ranked Ankeny Centennial needed just three sets to defeat the No. 6 Hawkettes on their home court this season. The Jaguars rolled to a 25-20, 25-22, 25-13 … [Read more...] about Jaguars sweep past Ankeny, clinch share of Central Conference crown

Hawkettes open conference play with sweep over Dowling Catholic

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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

Middle hitters spark Hawkettes to sweep over Mason City

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The Ankeny volleyball team showed off its depth Tuesday en route to a non-conference win at Mason City. The seventh-ranked Hawkettes rolled to a 25-21, 25-7, 25-20 victory to raise their overall record to 8-6. "I think the highlight of the night for us was the ability to get some of our subs in the match and see them perform at a high level as well," … [Read more...] about Middle hitters spark Hawkettes to sweep over Mason City

No. 6 Hawkettes are undersized, but still boast plenty of potential

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On paper, the Ankeny volleyball team doesn't appear to match up with some of the CIML's top squads, including its crosstown rival. A closer look, though, reveals a scrappy and talented team that should be able to compete with just about any opponent on its schedule. The Iowa Girls' High School Athletic Union did not make the mistake of underestimating … [Read more...] about No. 6 Hawkettes are undersized, but still boast plenty of potential