Hillcrest Academy can’t step past Winfield-Mount Union volleyball

KALONA — Hillcrest Academy has been trying to step up its game on the volleyball court and it has taken steps toward that goal under Brandon Statler, but there are many steps in a journey.

The Ravens welcomed Southeast Iowa Super Conference North Division foe Winfield-Mount Union to Hillcrest Thursday. Every point was a battle, lasted long, was hotly contested and exciting, but the Wolves prevailed in a sweep 25-19, 25-16, 25-18.

“They are one of those teams that make you continually work and earn every point. It’s hard to keep focused,” WMU head coach David Pieart said. “I don’t think this match was anywhere near as easy as the score might indicate.”

“It’s baby steps, we are taking baby steps,” Statler said. “First I had to convince them they could win some points, then a set, then a couple sets. We have won a couple matches now but we are still trying to get to that next level.”

The Ravens had a 38-match losing streak end last season and won a conference match Sept. 7 for the first time since Oct. 4, 2018.

“It’s their style of play,” Pieart said. “They make you keep playing the ball and we struggled with that at times, although I thought we serve received very well.”

Pieart said the Wolves passed well, namely Keetyn Townsley, Aurey Meeker, Carlee Sloan and Melina Oepping “when she’s in the back row. We have been planning for a year to have her play through. She is a six rotation player.”

Oepping had nine digs, five kills and a block. Bradie Buffington had 10 kills as Keely Malone put up 26 assists. Keetyn Townsley had 27 digs.

“We’re trying to get to the next level and we’re getting there but it is baby steps,” said Statler, who took over the head coach position to start this season. He is the fourth person in that role over the last four years following Shannon Miller to Tanna Boshart to Taylor Kurtz. Hillcrest Academy had a 19-15 record in 2018, 0-27 in 2019, then 2020 was 3-19.

“The hardest part has been getting them to believe,” Statler said. “Confidence has been a big thing and we are progressing toward that point where we are playing at the next level.”

Hillcrest plays at Columbus Tuesday. Hillcrest Academy has an overall mark of 6-19, 2-3 in the North. Winfield-Mount Union is 15-8, 4-1. WMU plays at New London’s tournament Saturday.