Prairie coming together as tournament play opens

Cedar Rapids Prairie has found a measure of consistency and a bit of confidence.“Things are starting to come together,” said Coach Kevin Geary.At precisely the right time.Volleyball regionals begin Monday for Class 4A and Class 3A teams. Prairie (16-15) is riding an uptick, advancing to the championship bracket of the Mississippi Valley Conference tournament Oct. 16.The Hawks open Monday against Cedar Rapids Washington (10-25).Win that one, and it gets drastically more difficult - a regional semifinal date with No. 3 Iowa City West (31-7).“I'm a big movie buff, and this ties into the movie

Miracle,” Geary said.Whenever Prairie exits, an era ends. Katie Carver is a senior. Geary has coached a Carver girl 11 straight seasons.Most of the top 4A teams don't begin play until Thursday. Everybody in 3A gets going Monday.That includes Mount Vernon (35-0), which carries a 50-match winning streak into its home contest with Davenport Assumption.The Mustangs are one of three ranked teams in 3A Region 7. Others are No. 8 Solon (which hosts Benton Community) and No. 13 Marion (which entertains Center Point-Urbana).Third-rated West Delaware and No. 6 Dubuque Wahlert appear to be locked in for a Region 6 final showdown. The Hawks (35-3) host Independence on Monday.No. 11 Williamsburg is the lone rated in Region 8. The Raiders host Mount Pleasant in Round 1.Class 1A and 2A regional quarterfinals are Tuesday.