Oskaloosa Eighth-Grade Volleyball Teams Battle Newton in Close Matches
OSKALOOSA, Iowa — The Oskaloosa Middle School eighth-grade volleyball teams faced the Newton Cardinals in a series of competitive matches, with all three Indian teams falling to Newton despite strong individual performances.
The A1 team pushed Newton to three close sets before falling 2-1. The Cardinals claimed the opening set 25-21, but Oskaloosa battled back to win the second set 28-26. Newton edged the Indians 17-15 in the deciding set.
Emerson Roe helped lead the A1 team with four serving aces, six assists, and two digs. Haelyn Richmond contributed five kills, one ace, and one assist, while Kambri Walker finished with three kills and one assist.
Chessa San, who also competed with the A2 team, recorded three aces, three assists, and two digs. Genesis Ramirez added two assists, two kills, and one dig, while Ahndreya Winchel contributed one assist and two digs.
The A2 team also battled Newton but fell in straight sets, 25-19 and 25-20.
Emma Mott led the A2 team with seven serving aces and one dig. Haley Overbergen added three aces, three assists, and two digs, while Lyla Lisk finished with two aces and one kill.
Kami Thomas and Hailey Pettyjohn each contributed one dig.
The B team played four sets against Newton, falling 3-1. The Cardinals took the first two sets 21-13 and 21-19 before Oskaloosa answered with a convincing 21-9 victory in the third. Newton secured the final set 21-14.
Averi Sparks led the B team with eight serving aces, one assist, and one kill. Caitlyn Parker contributed four aces and four kills, while Naomi VandeKrol recorded three aces and one kill.
Elizabeth Chavez finished with three aces, one assist, and two kills. Brielle Parker added three aces and two kills, while Leah Silvers and Avery Web each recorded one ace.
Zayda Struik contributed one assist, and Rye Rummans finished with one dig.
Despite the losses, the Indians recorded several strong serving performances across all three teams, with multiple players contributing aces, kills, assists, and digs.
Coach Anna Gritters and the eighth-grade Indians will return to action Monday when they travel to Pella to face the Dutch.
