The familiar sounds of volleyball graced Tim Grady Gymnasium once again as Mid-Prairie hosted the Washington Demons in their first game of the season on August 24. 

A loud raucous environment accompanied this contest between two rivals who are no strangers to one another, but it was the Golden Hawks who aced the season opening test, defeating the Demons, 3-0, with final scores of 25-20, 25-13, and 25-17. 

This win for Mid-Prairie marks their 11th consecutive victory over the Demons. The last time Washington bested the Golden Hawks was in 2016 with Mid-Prairie leading the all-time series 19-2. 

The first set ended up being the most competitive set of the night with each team not letting the other take a lead of more than one for a time being. Once Mid-Prairie held a 17-16 lead, they went on an 8-4 run to close out the set and go up 1-0.

There were some quality performances from the Hawks in the first set, including sophomore Harper Pacha who had three kills, but there were some serving errors made by Mid-Prairie that made the game as close as it was. 

“First set we missed a lot of serves, but we also challenged them to be tougher and more aggressive with our serves,” Mid-Prairie volleyball head coach Sherry Evans said. “So, was I shocked that we missed a lot of serves in our first set? No, not at all.” 

Playing with more of a groove on both offense and defense Mid-Prairie won the second set in a more dominating fashion, limiting Washington to only 13 points.  

“They started talking more and having a little more confidence,” Coach Evans said about what the difference was between the first set and the second set.

“We have a couple girls that have never stepped foot on a varsity court, and you can definitely tell that they’re a little green with that. And the big crowd, big lights, I think they’re going to be okay eventually, but definitely got a lot to work on.” 

In the third and final set Washington was able to take an 11-9 lead but a flurry of excellent serves by Mid-Prairie sophomore Katelyn Harland proved to be a difference maker. 

Harland scored four service aces in this set and three of them came back-to-back-to-back. Her last service ace gave the Hawks an 18-13 lead. Not relinquishing the lead, the Hawks were able to take the set and sweep the Demons, 3-0. 

On defense, standout junior Dakota Mitchell led the team with 10 digs. She also did some damage while serving, scoring three services aces. 

Leading Mid-Prairie in assists was sophomore Jovi Evans. Evans ended her night with 20 assists, had the second most kills on the team with 10, and had nine digs.      

“I think our libero did an excellent job. Dakota Mitchell She’s always running down balls and just getting some things,” Coach Evans said. “Her receive is really good. She had a good night serving as well. Also want to shout out to Jovi Evans. She did a great job setting and hitting defensively, too. 

Leading the Hawks in kills was sophomore Harper Pacha. Pacha was a dominant force on the court, recording 11 kills. She also had three service aces. 

“Harper Pacha did an amazing job hitting. She’s going to be our go to when we need a good kill, so I’m really excited for her,” Coach Evans said. 

Central Lee Tournament 

When the weekend came rolling around, the Golden Hawks took a trek out to Donnellson to compete in the Central Lee Invitational. Taking place on Aug. 26 there were seven schools who participated in this tournament. 

After the dust settled on the tourney Mid-Prairie found themselves procuring a second-place finish after winning four games and only losing once. 

Mid-Prairie defeated Keokuk 21-14 and 21-12, Van Buren 21-16 and 21-14, West Burlington 21-17 and 21-19 and Central Lee 21-12 and 21-19 in pool play to reach the championship match. 

The battle for first place ended up being a rematch since West Burlington also advanced to the finals. Flipping the script and getting their revenge, it was West Burlington who walked away victorious this time.

Despite a solid championship game from Harper Pacha (who led the team with 11 kills), Jovi Evans (who led the team with 24 assists), and Dakota Mitchell (who led the team with 18 digs), the Hawks were swept by West Burlington with finals scores of 25-20 and 25-16. 

Taking all their games into account the individual leaders for Mid-Prairie at this tournament were Evans with 78 assists, Pacha with 40 kills, Mitchell with 59 digs, Callie Huber with four blocks.

Mid-Prairie (5-1) traveled to Independence to compete in a non-conference triangular against Independence (2-2) and Vinton-Shellsburg (4-3) on Aug. 29. Up next for the Hawks will be hitting the road to challenge the West Branch Bears (3-1) on Aug. 31.