Regina wins, Demons 2nd in own tourney

WASHINGTON - It was a long time coming but worth the wait for the Washington volleyball team. It had lost its first 16 matches but started a new streak Saturday, winning three consecutive before a loss in the title match of its home tournament.

As pool champions, Iowa City Regina and Washington met for the title while Highland and Hillcrest matched up for third place. Regina was the tourney winner, taking a 21-12, 21-15 win from the Demons. Hillcrest won third with an incredible, inspired comeback from 12-6 and 13-7 deficits in the deciding set to upend Highland 16-21, 21-12, 16-14.

'The girls should be more confident now that they know they can win,” WHS coach Lexa Mahr said. ”They have improved and I knew the way that the way we had been progressing throughout the season that a win was going to come.”

Washington went three sets in each of its three wins. In the Black pool, the Demons defeated Sigourney 21-12, 15-21, 15-8 and Hillcrest Academy 21-13, 19-21, 16-14. Hillcrest beat Sigourney 21-17, 21-17. 'We had a lot of fun getting that first win and that helped us play better because we communicated better,” Washington senior middle hitter Olivia Marek said. 'We have been working on little skills like moving our feet to the ball and that helps a lot.”

In the Orange Pool, Iowa City Regina took down Highland 21-9, 21-12 and Tri-County 21-6, 21-8. Highland beat Tri-County 21-11, 21-13. Sigourney sacked Tri-County in the fifth-place match 21-10, 21-9. Washington downed Highland 21-16, 15-21, 15-4 and Regina (11-8) climbed past Hillcrest 21-10, 21-16 to set up the finals.

Washington has a 3-17 record and plays tonight at Mt. Pleasant in the Southeast Conference Tournament. Highland (5-16) plays at Lone Tree tonight. Hillcrest (3-19) is off until the postseason starts Oct. 19 with the Ravens playing at Winfield-Mount Union.