Kennedy retains title as C.R.'s best

CEDAR RAPIDS -- There are some hungry wolves in town, nipping at the queen's heels.For now, the queen's boots are strong enough to keep them at bay.Lexi Rogers made the big plays at the big moments, and Cedar Rapids Kennedy turned back Cedar Rapids Washington in a four-set Mississippi Valley Conference cross-divisional volleyball match Tuesday night at Washington High School.Scores were 29-27, 16-25, 25-20 and 25-23."There's been a lot of talk about some of the other teams in the city," Rogers said. "We were hoping to prove that we're still the best."The Cougars still are, but the gap between them and rapidly improving programs like Washington and Xavier isn't very wide."We're getting close," said Washington Coach Kari Lombardi, "But we made mistakes at crucial times."Kennedy (10-7) prevailed despite the fact that the Warriors (8-5) posted seven more kills (50-43).Rogers led all attackers with 19 kills, including eight in the final set. The senior middle hitter had a kill to give the Cougars match point at 24-22, then delivered another to cap the victory.The Cougars have won seven of eight matches after starting 3-6."We were down at the beginning of the season," Rogers said. "We're playing better now. I think it's a confidence thing. That, and we have more energy."And motivation, too. The Cougars have toppled their two prime intracity challengers (Xavier and Washington) 0n consecutive Tuesdays."Of course, that's big," said Kennedy Coach Michelle Goodall. "The kids know what our tradition is. It's important to carry that on. But you've got to give props where props are due, because other teams around town are getting better."Kennedy looked dominant early, jumping to a 13-6 lead in the opening set. But the Warriors scored 10 straight points, then had a 24-22 advantage and a big opportunity.Washington had four set points, but couldn't convert any of them. Finally, the Cougars scored the final three points, the last one on Jordan Calef's block.The Warriors steadied themselves in time to cruise through Game 2, then Kennedy owned Game 3.Kennedy shot to an 8-3 lead in the fourth set, but Washington drew even at 15-all, then took a 19-18 lead.Jadyn Gilson hit two kills as the Cougars reclaimed the lead, 22-20, setting the stage for Rogers' closing act.Aleena Hobbs collected 17 kills and Dani Franklin added 14 for the Warriors. Hanna Reese counted 40 assists.Calef posted nine kills and four blocks for the Cougars. Bre Boote had 37 assists. 

CEDAR RAPIDS KENNEDY 3, CEDAR RAPIDS WASHINGTON 1

Game

1

2

3

4

Cedar Rapids Kennedy (10-7)

29

16

25

25

Cedar Rapids Washington (8-5)

27

25

20

23

Serving: Kennedy 84-93 (.903), Washington 82-97 (.845)

Aces: Kennedy 3 (Jordan Calef 2), Washington 10 (four with 2)

Kills: Kennedy 43 (Lexi Rogers 19), Washington 50 (Aleena Hobbs 17)

Assists: Kennedy 37 (Bre Boote 37), Washington 42 (Hanna Reese 40)

Blocks: Kennedy 8 (Calef 4), Washington 7 (Shanay Gonder 4).