WMU volleyball stands tall

WAPELLO — Wednesday night’s Class 1A Region 7 volleyball quarterfinal between Winfield-Mount Union and Wapello went down to the absolute wire, but when all was said and done, it was the Wolves who celebrated on the Arrows’ home court.

WMU came back from a 2-1 deficit to beat the Southeast Iowa Super Conference North Division champions in five games, winning 25-22, 21-25, 24-26, 25-22, 15-10.

The win avenged a pair of losses earlier this season. After beating Wapello in a tournament earlier this year, the Arrows had gotten the Wolves twice, including a conference showdown on Sept. 7, which ultimately decided the North Division.

Melina Oepping and Bradie Buffington both reached double digit kills for the Wolves. Oepping finished with 15 and Buffington hit 11.

Keetyn Townsley notched 59 kills in the win. Keely Malone filled the stat sheet once again, tallying 40 assists, nine kills and six service aces. Lilly Freeman led the team with five blocks.

The Wolves will now get their chance at the defending Class 1A champions. WMU plays at No. 1 Notre Dame in Monday’s regional semifinals.