Glenwood Rams Defeat Creston Panthers, 3-1, in Volleyball Showdown

The Glenwood Rams secured a decisive victory over the Creston Panthers with a score of 3-1 in a Hawkeye Ten volleyball matchup on October 26, 2023. The match showcased a dynamic start from the Rams, who opened with a commanding 9-1 lead, ultimately winning the first set 25-16. Although Creston rallied to claim the second set 25-23, Glenwood regained control, winning the final two sets 25-17 to clinch the match.

Creston’s coach, Naomi Sharp, noted the sluggish start in the first set. “We came out sluggish in game one and dug a huge hole,” Sharp explained. “We made an effort to come back, but it was too little, too late.” Despite the loss, Sharp acknowledged improvements in the second set, highlighting the team’s tougher defense and more effective attacks.

Both teams concluded the regular season with a 5-5 record in Hawkeye Ten play, tying for sixth place. Red Oak topped the league standings with a perfect 10-0 record, followed by Kuemper Catholic at 9-1 and Lewis Central at 8-2. Glenwood improved its overall record to 20-10, while Creston fell to 10-10 ahead of the Knoxville Tournament.

Player Highlights and Key Performances

The match featured standout performances from both teams. For the Rams, Addie Madison, a 5-foot-10 middle hitter, and outside hitter Kaylee Wray proved to be formidable at the net. Wray recorded 20 kills, matching Creston’s leading hitter, Jaycee Hanson, who also tallied 20 kills alongside seven errors. Madison contributed an impressive 15 kills and two solo blocks.

Sharp commented on the team’s errors, saying, “We just had too many errors, way more blocking errors than we’ve been having. But they’re good hitters. They started feeding the middles more, and that seemed to make a difference.” The Panthers struggled with their efficiency, committing seven service errors compared to only four aces.

Despite these setbacks, Creston exhibited moments of effective offense. Coach Sharp noted, “There were moments when we were finding the holes in the blocks. But we seemed to be out of system too many times and we didn’t capitalize on the long volleys.”

Milestones and Upcoming Matches

Prior to the match, four Creston players received recognition for reaching significant career milestones. Hanson and Hollynn Rieck both achieved 500 career digs, while Kadley Bailey surpassed 1,000 assists. Avery Staver, the libero, accumulated 1,000 digs throughout her career at East Union and Creston.

In terms of match statistics, Rieck served 17-19 with two aces, while Hanson not only led in hitting but also recorded a team-high 23 digs. Staver followed closely with 20 digs, and Bailey contributed 35 assists alongside 12 successful serves.

Looking ahead, the Panthers, now with an overall record of 11-13, will commence Class 3A regional play on October 31, 2023, at home against Centerville (17-13).

The match statistics were as follows:

– **Serving (Aces)**:
– Creston: Nora Barton 14-15 (2), Hollynn Rieck 17-19 (2), Kadley Bailey 12-12, Avery Staver 10-11
– Glenwood: Rylie Kendall 12-12, Alyssa Liddick 16-17, Cambree Smothers 18-19 (1)

– **Attacks (Kills)**:
– Creston: Jaycee Hanson 46-53 (20), Hope Henderson 24-27 (9), Braylee Pokorny 19-23 (6), Bailey 17-19 (5), Hollynn Rieck 21-27 (4)
– Glenwood: Kaylee Wray 37-39 (20), Addie Madison 32-34 (15), Ayrianna Legband 23-25 (8)

– **Blocks**:
– Creston: Pokorny 3, Ella Turner 1, Bailey 1, Henderson 1
– Glenwood: Madison 2, Legband 2

– **Setting (Assists)**:
– Creston: Bailey 35, A. Staver 6, Henderson 2
– Glenwood: Cambree Smothers 28, Liddick 17

– **Digs**:
– Creston: Hanson 23, A. Staver 20, Bailey 17, Rieck 14, Turner 4, Barton 3
– Glenwood: Kendall 17, Smothers 15, Wray 15, Kanngieser 13

As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on their performances and prepare for upcoming challenges.