Indians Sweep Six Foes, Win Home Tourney
by Wade Steinlage
Oskaloosa–After a couple weeks of high-caliber competition, the Oskaloosa girls’ volleyball team took what it had learned and dominated its foes with a 6-0 week and a home tournament crown.
The Indians (24-4, 5-1 LHC) opened the week Tuesday by sweeping Pella Christian 3-0 (25-16, 25-16, 25-14) on the road in Little Hawkeye Conference action. The team then hosted the Oskaloosa Tournament Saturday and won all five matches.
The tournament began with the Indians claiming a 2-0 win over Ottumwa (21-10, 21-10). They then defeated Marshalltown 2-0 (21-10, 21-15) before pounding Mount Pleasant 2-0 (21-6, 21-13). The weekend concluded with two more 2-0 sweeps of Fairfield (21-8, 21-8) and Chariton (21-11, 21-9). For the weekend, Oskaloosa outscored its opposition 210-100.
Oskaloosa was far from perfect against the Eagles on Tuesday, but was barely threatened in the league tilt. Faith DeRonde guided the squad with 19 kills on a .256 hitting clip. Maleah Walker joined her teammate in double figures with 10 winners (.261 attack mark), while Aby Thompson contributed four winners while hitting .500 for the evening.
Olivia Gordon topped the setting duo with 19 assists, while Presley Blommers added 13 more.
DeRonde not only hit well, but was also at the top of the leaderboard in digs with 10 and aces with three. Walker was right behind her with nine digs, while Thompson tallied a pair of solo blocks.
“This was not our best volleyball, but we did some things well,” Head Coach Jennifer Comfort said. “Our passing, sideout effectiveness, and ability to string serving runs together were our strengths. Pella Christian played well for being a young team and gave us fits at times. We need to remember to come mentally ready every match, and I believe we will in the future.”
DeRonde continued to guide her team at Saturday’s tourney, posting a total of 61 kills with a .567 attack percentage. Walker was next with 21 winners, while Thompson added 15 and Aubree Blanco was good for another 11 with a .455 hitting clip. Overall, the Indians hit .391 with just 27 errors in 225 attempts.
As primary setter, Gordon recorded 72 assists with Blommers adding 21 more as her replacement. Gordon also held the lead in serving with 12 aces. Lucy Roach tallied eight aces, while DeRonde (7) and Macie Krier (5) were successful at the service line as well.
Defensively, Roach managed 26 digs, while DeRonde and Walker both dug 17 balls. Krier was on their heels in that department with 16 herself.
“The match scores reflected the intention of the team to come in and take care of business, play at our high level of volleyball, and enjoy playing together,” Comfort said. “We have gone a few weeks with some high-pressure volleyball matches, so it was nice to get a day to play against some teams where we could work on things during competition in preparation for the final week of the season and postseason.”
“One of the big take-aways from the tournament was our matches against Fairfield and Mount Pleasant, which are the two teams we could face for our regional semifinals,” Comfort added. “I was very proud of our high level of play during the tournament. I also enjoyed watching the athletes have fun playing volleyball together. After all, this is a GAME we GET to PLAY. With all the hype and excitement around this team this season, it was refreshing to see everything we have been working on for so long come together and be on display for all to enjoy as a volleyball family. Way to go, Indians!!!”
Next Up: Oskaloosa travels to Grinnell Tuesday for its LHC finale at 7:15 p.m. The Indians then return to Grinnell Thursday to compete in the LHC Tournament.
