Oskaloosa Eighth-Grade A1 Team Wins Home Opener Against Pella Christian

OSKALOOSA — Oskaloosa’s eighth-grade volleyball A1 team won a deciding third set to defeat Pella Christian in the Indians’ first home match of the season.

A1 earned a 25-22, 16-25, 15-8 victory, while the A2 and B teams each fell in three sets.

Haelyn Richmond contributed six aces, two kills and two digs for A1. Emerson Roe added five aces, a kill and an assist as the Indians secured the match with a seven-point margin in the final set.

Chessa San finished with two aces, three assists, a kill and a dig. Genesis Ramirez recorded four digs and a kill, while Kambri Walker and Izzy Ritz added one kill apiece.

A2 also won its opening set but could not hold off the Eagles, falling 25-22, 16-25, 12-15.

Emma Mott served five aces, and Lyla Lisk added four. Cami Metcalf contributed three aces and two kills, while Hailey Pettyjohn finished with two aces.

Kami Thomas recorded a kill and a dig, and Haley Overbergen added a dig.

The B team played three close sets in a 21-23, 23-21, 18-21 loss. Each set was decided by three points or fewer.

After dropping the opening set, Oskaloosa answered with a two-point victory in the second to force a third set. Pella Christian took the deciding set, 21-18.

Coach Anna Gritters said the B team showed substantial improvement from its previous outing, although serving remained a challenge overall.

Naomi VandeKrol contributed five aces and a kill. Brielle Roy-Harrison and Elizabeth Chavez each served four aces, while Caitlyn Parker added three.

Roy-Harrison also recorded two digs, and Chavez and Parker each finished with a kill.

The Indians will next host Pella, with play scheduled to begin at 3:30 p.m. in the Oskaloosa High School gym.