March 28, 2024

Area volleyball

CD triangular

LEON — Mount Ayr picked up a pair of huge Pride of Iowa Conference wins here Thursday at the Central Decatur triangular, knocking off host Central Decatur and one of the POI title favorites Bedford.

The Raiderettes lost the first game of the match to Class 1A 10th-ranked Bedford 25-20, before bouncing back to win the next three games and the match 25-14, 27-25, 25-20.

“Great start to the season coming out of tonight 2-0, also beating Central Decatur,” Mount Ayr head coach Tori Braby said.

Kelcie Shields smacked 11 kills and had seven total blocks, including five solo blocks, against Bedford. Kirsten Dolecheck added six kills, while Sadie Frost finished with four kills and three total blocks. Tessa Shields recorded three kills and four total blocks.

Tessa Shields also served 12-for-12 with three aces against the Bulldogs. Blair Glendenning was 17-19 with two aces, while Alyssa Johnson also served two aces. Johnson set 15 assists and had three total blocks.

“Blair Glendenning and Alyssa Johnson had outstanding games defensively,” Braby said. “Johnson is quick and many times gets to balls that we think are hitting the ground and then all of a sudden, she is there.”

Mount Ayr swept Central Decatur in two games, winning 25-16 and 25-14.

Kelcie Shields finished with seven kills in the win, while Tessa Shields added five kills with three solo blocks. Dolecheck finished with five kills.

Johnson served 11-12 with two aces, while Kelcie Shields was 8-8 with two aces.

“As a team, we did a great job passing, but really struggled on serving,” Braby said. “Hoping it was a first-game jitters problem.”

Mount Ayr returns to action Tuesday at Southeast Warren in another triangular with Southeast Warren and Ankeny Christian Academy.