The competition doesn't get any easier

Fast starts in each set propelled Hinton past Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn, 3-0, in a War Eagle Conference volleyball match on Sept. 14 in Hartley.

The Blackhawks, who entered the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union's Class 2A ratings last week at No. 15, earned the sweep by scores of 25-8, 25-6, 25-9.

H-M-S fell behind by seven points to start the first set and played from behind. The same was true in the next set after the Hawks scored the first two points. The finale was close for a while, but Hinton eventually took control to earn the win.

"In the War Eagle Conference, the competition is solid every night," Hawk coach Cheryl Kroese acknowledged. "We need to focus on what we can control as a team. If we work hard and strive to improve our mindset where one mistake does not affect our next play, we will see definite improvement in our overall game."

The Hawks are finding it difficult to get the ball into positions where the offense can be successful.

"One of the areas we have been struggling with is serve receive," Kroese noted. "We will continue to work to control getting the ball to our setters, giving our offense a chance to increase production."

The Hawks converted on 22 of their 24 serve attempts. Kaley Pearson was 7-of-7, Jasmine Lux was 6-of-7 and Abby Otto was 4-of-5.

Leading the net attack were Lux with three kills and Abby Douma with two. Pearson had four set assists and Abby Kunzman added two.

H-M-S was challenged defensively by the Blackhawks, who put down 34 kills on 62 attack attempts. Elise Haack led the back row with 10 digs while Pearson had five and Otto had three. Lux and Pearson each recorded a solo block.

Kroese expects the Hawks to maintain a positive attitude as the season progresses.

"This group of young ladies is a great bunch to work with," she said. "I'm confident they will continue to work hard to improve each night on the court."

H-M-S (0-8, 0-4) will host their annual tournament on Saturday and host Unity Christian (3A No. 10) on Sept. 28.

H-M-S net tourney is Saturday

Saturday, Sept. 25 will be a big day of volleyball as Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn hosts its annual tournament at the high school.

H-M-S, Okoboji, Sioux City West and Gehlen Catholic are in Pool A and will play their matches in the new gym. Pool B teams Rock Valley, South O'Brien, Trinity Christian and Newell-Fonda will compete in the old gym.

Pool play begins at 9 a.m. H-M-S is scheduled for the first, third and fifth matches.

Winners of each pool will take on the runners-up from the other group. Semifinal winners will advance to the championship match.