Winfield-Mount Union 3rd at West Branch volleyball tourney

WEST BRANCH — Winfield-Mount Union went 2-2 at the West Branch volleyball tournament on Saturday, tying for third place overall. New London went 1-2.

WMU went 2-1 in pool play. The Wolves defeated Prince of Peace 21-5, 21-12, and took down Southeast Iowa Super Conference North Division rival Wapello 21-19, 21-18.

The Wolves’ only pool play loss came to West Branch. They fell 18-21, 21-5, 15-11.

WMU was eliminated from bracket play by Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont. The Rockets beat the Wolves 25-13, 25-17 in the semifinals.

WMU was led by Melina Oepping, who had 21 kills in the tournament and had five service aces. Keely Malone dished out 41 assists on the day, and Keetyn Townsley had 34 digs.

New London played three three-set games, all of which that went right down to the wire in the third set. None of the Tigers’ deciding sets were won by more than five points.

The Tigers’ only win came against Don Bosco, where they scored a comeback victory, winning 19-21, 24-22, 17-15.

The Tigers lost to EBF, falling 21-23, 21-15, 16-14. Iowa City Regina defeated New London 15-21, 21-19, 15-10.

Sophie Mallott had 21 kills to lead New London. Natalie Burden finished with 18. Elly Manning ended the day with 37 assists and Emma Nye had 46 digs.