Area teams struggle in Ottumwa invitational

OTTUMWA - It wasn't the best of days for the area's big school volleyball teams in the Ottumwa tournament. Mt. Pleasant, Fairfield and Washington went a combined 1-11 in the tourney with all three schools getting knocked out in pool play.

The only win of the day went to Mt. Pleasant, who defeated Fairfield 21-13, 19-21, 15-13 in pool play. The Panthers fell to Burlington 21-13, 21-15, and dropped their game against Albia 21-17, 21-11.

Fairfield's lost to Albia 21-18, 21-12, and dropped their game against Burlington 18-21, 21-13, 15-9. That put the Trojans at 0-3 in pool play.

Washington competed in the opposite pool of Fairfield and Mt. Pleasant. The Demons lost to Davis COunty 21-15, 22-24, 15-12, and were swept by Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont 21-12, 21-19. Washington lost to Ottumwa as well, but final scores of that game are not available.

Mt. Pleasant put up the best fight in the quarterfinal round. They lost to Davis County 25-23, 25-23. Fairfield, who came in as the defending tournament champions, were defeated 25-22, 25-22 by Ottumwa. Washington was upended by Burlington 25-14, 25-16.

In the semifinals, Albia defeated Ottumwa 25-10, 20-25, 15-10. Burlington swept Davis County 25-21, 25-5.

The Grayhounds polished things off with a sweep of Albia in the championship. They were victorious 25-12, 25-20.

Overall, Washington has the best record of the three area teams, at 6-12 overall. The Demons are also 2-1 in conference. They'll travel to Burlington tonight (Tuesday) for a big Southeast Conference game. Fairfield (2-12, 1-2) will travel to Mt. Pleasant (4-16, 0-3) tonight as well.