HLV volleyball bows out of playoffs

SULLY — The HLV Warrior volleyball team faced a familiar foe in the third round of the Iowa Girls Athletic Union’s State Playoffs when it ran into conference rival Lynnville-Sully Oct. 23.

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The last time these two squads met up was in September, and it was a five-set barn burner that was squeaked out by the Hawks. This time, Lynnville-Sully ended the HLV’s season in four sets.

HLV came into the match on a hot streak after winning the South Iowa Cedar League Conference Tournament, followed by two straight wins in the Region 5 bracket of the tournament.

The Warriors stayed hot in set one against Lynnville-Sully (17-12).

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HLV built a 15-9 lead before the Hawks called a time out. Coming out of the break L-S mounted a run to take the lead 19-18.

After a quick back-and-forth with both teams sitting at 21 apiece, HLV closed out the first set with four straight points and a 25-21 win.

Then it appeared as if the adrenaline ran out. The Hawks jumped out to a quick 9-4 lead in set two, forcing an early Warrior time out.

HLV was not able to close the gap to less than five, and L-S too set two 25-14.

HLV was within three points late in the third set but couldn’t get over the hump, falling 25-20. The fourth set saw the Hawks start fast — too fast — and the Warriors ended the season with a 3-1 match loss.

"It was a tough end to our season, but it definitely doesn't define how our season went,“ said HLV Coach Kayla Chizek. ”This is a much different group than last year, they really found a way to work well together.“

HLV junior outside hitter Ema Roberts recorded her 500th career kill against the Hawks and had 11 on the night to lead the team.

Hailey Jack recorded 14 assists, Addy Shaull notched 23 digs and Raegan Stowell punched in four serve aces.

The Warriors finished the season with a 16-18 overall record, a 9-1 record in regular season conference play, the conference tournament title, plus an appearance in the Regional semifinal.

Statistical leaders include Roberts, with an SICL-leading 351 kills; Jack, with 489 assists; McKenzie Kempf, with 46 blocks; Shaull, with an SICL-leading 489 digs; and Nicole Gensley, with 35 serve aces.

“We had huge accomplishments this year, winning conference and winning some big matches,” said Chizek. “Many players this season had statistical milestones, which was really fun to celebrate.

“I am just really proud of each and every player for their hard work and effort this season. Our seniors will be greatly missed."