Southwest Valley wins over Creston Panthers

The Southwest Valley volleyball team picked up a 25-16, 20-25, 25-21, 25-20 win over Creston last Tuesday in its final non-conference tune up before this week’s Pride of Iowa Conference.
The Class 1A, No. 14 ranked Timberwolves (22-3 overall, 9-0) got off to what head coach Lisa Sparks called a “tense” start in the first two sets with the Panthers (9-12) but settled in more as the match went on.
“Set three and four we were able to get the ball to our hot hands for the night and play some great defense,” Sparks said.  “We had girls scrambling after balls to keep them alive. We were also able to transition quickly and get to where we needed to be.  The girls competed and played as a unit tonight. They work together on the court. I am proud of the way they are playing.”
Southwest Valley hit at a .152 efficiency on the night with 47 kills. Katey Lillie had a big night to lead the way. The senior had 19 kills, 16 digs and an ace. Marley Gray added 16 kills and 21 digs.
Morgan Shuler paced the offense with 39 set assists and three aces.
The match served as senior night for nine Timberwolves: Gray, Lillie, Shuler, Gracelyn Bain, Madeline Bevington, Sadie Groszkreuger, Reagan Sonntag, Delaney True and Natalia Zimmerman.
“These seniors have put in numerous hours into volleyball and this program,” Sparks said.
Hollynn Reick led Creston with 10 kills.
See next week’s edition of The Red Oak Express for complete coverage of the Pride of Iowa Conference Tournament.

Southwest Valley 25-25-25,
Bedford 6-11-18
Southwest Valley got off to a quick start and cruised to a 25-6, 25-11, 25-18 sweep of Bedford in non-conference volleyball last Monday.
“The girls took quick work of the night,” said Southwest Valley coach Lisa Sparks. “It was a great night getting some girls in and allowing our subs to get some stats marked down.”
The Timberwolves finished the night with a .324 hitting efficiency and 31 kills.
Marley Gray led the way with eight kills. She added seven digs.
Katey Lillie added seven kills and Mackenzie Fast five.
Morgan Shuler dished up 26 set assists while adding five digs.