West Delaware produces another winner

They don't rebuild at West Delaware. This is a volleyball program based on excellence maintenance, year after year.

"I think we've gotten to the point that we don't have down years," said Hawks Coach Brett Mather. "Even though kids graduate, we don't fall off the face of the earth."

It's another typical season in Manchester. A typically great season.

The sixth-ranked team in Class 3A, West Delaware (25-3 overall, 5-0 Wamac Conference East Division) takes a 16-match winning streak into Tuesday's divisional showdown with No. 2 Solon (22-1, 6-0).

First serve should be around 7:30 p.m. at the West Delaware gym.

True, the Hawks lost all-staters Allison Pasker and Jenna Hermsen from last year's state runner-up team. But, like always, new faces step in and the Hawks keep clicking.

"We definitely rely on defensive tempo, like we always do," Mather said. "The girls have a lot of heart. We don't have as much talent as some teams, but these girls find a way to get it done."

Mackenzie Harbaugh, a third-team all-stater last year, has become the primary setter and averages 8.42 assists per game. Harbaugh also is the team's most efficient hitter (at .377). Rayne Cook leads the team in kills, at 2.56 kills per set. Leslie Hoffmann adds 2.48 per set.

Amanda Bries spearheads the back row with 4.56 digs per game.

Solon has won eight straight after suffering its lone loss, Sept. 10 to Dubuque Hempstead.

"They've got a great team," Mather said. "They put up a great block. Our tempo is going to have to be where it needs to be."

Another Tuesday showdown

While West Delaware and Solon play for the Wamac East lead, Iowa City High (23-2, 4-0) and Cedar Rapids Kennedy (19-5, 2-1) play an important MVC Mississippi Division match at Kennedy.

It's the third meeting of the season between the teams. Class 4A second-ranked City High beat the No. 7 Cougars in three games at the City High Invitational, then did it again at the Dubuque Invitational.

City High's Erin Muir is the state leader in assists (10.61 per game). Allie Hutcheson, a University of Northern Colorado recruit, leads Kennedy in kills (2.76) and assists (7.11).

Westside features 3 top-ranked teams

Ten ranked teams are among the 24-team Westside Invitational, hosted by Cedar Rapids Jefferson on Saturday.

Included are three No. 1 teams -- Iowa City West (4A), Dubuque Wahlert (3A) and Tripoli (1A). West and Tripoli are defending state champions.

Other ranked teams in the field are Urbandale, West Des Moines Dowling, Kennedy and Dubuque Hempstead (Nos. 4, 5, 7 and 12 in 4A), West Delaware (sixth in 3A), Dike-New Hartford and West Liberty (third and 11th in 2A).

The tournament begins at 8:30 a.m. Bracket play is scheduled to start at 2:30 p.m., with the championship match slotted for 5:30.