A manic Tuesday: Volleyball showdowns abound throughout the area

Tuesday marks, for many area conferences, the last big night of volleyball season.

And you can’t look any direction without finding a match with championship ramifications.

Iowa City Liberty figures to put the MVC Mississippi Division race to bed, while the Valley title is likely to be shared by two or three teams.

The Wamac West title could be a solo act, or maybe a duet or trio. Both Tri-Rivers races will become clearer Tuesday. On and on it goes.

Your guide to what’s sure to be just another manic Tuesday:

Cedar Rapids Kennedy at Waterloo West

What’s at stake: Kennedy (18-6, 5-1) has the easiest path of the three MVC Valley Division co-leaders. Beat the Wahawks (8-17, 1-5), and the Cougars earn a share of the title.

Dubuque Hempstead at Cedar Rapids Xavier

What’s at stake: Last year’s 4A state champion, Xavier (24-3, 5-1) has won five straight divisional matches, but in Hempstead (14-9, 4-2), the Saints face the toughest challenge of the three Valley Division contenders.

Iowa City West at Dubuque Senior

What’s at stake: An early-season upset of Xavier has West (11-12, 5-1) in the hunt for a share of the Valley Division title. Senior (19-13, 3-3) can’t be taken lightly.

Dubuque Wahlert at Iowa City Liberty

What’s at stake: The top-ranked team in 5A, Liberty (23-4, 6-0) owns a share of the Mississippi Division title and is heavily favored to handle Wahlert (6-15, 1-5) and win it outright.

Dyersville Beckman at West Delaware

What’s at stake: The Wamac East is the deepest league in Eastern Iowa, with four teams that figure to be playing in November. Beckman (26-9, 4-0) has wrapped up a share of the divisional title; 3A No. 1 West Delaware (29-3, 3-1) would like a piece of the action.

Mount Vernon at Marion

What’s at stake: For Marion (26-6, 3-1 Wamac East), maybe a lot. The Wolves can snag a share of the divisional title with a win, coupled with a West Delaware victory. Mount Vernon (24-9, 2-2) won the title at the Waverly-Shell Rock Invitational on Saturday.

Easton Valley at Lisbon

What’s at stake: Sole ownership of the Tri-Rivers East Division lead. Lisbon (28-5, 4-0) is the division’s best team; now it’s up to the Lions to prove it this week against Easton Valley (14-5, 4-0) on Tuesday and Cedar Valley Christian (9-8, 3-1) on Thursday.

Springville at Starmont

What’s at stake: The West Division is the stronger division of the Tri-Rivers, and Springville (23-3, 5-0) and Starmont (13-7, 5-0) have risen to the top. Tuesday’s winner at Arlington owns a title share and has an opportunity to win it outright Thursday.

North Fayette Valley at Turkey Valley

What’s at stake: North Fayette Valley (13-13, 5-0) is the only Upper Iowa Conference squad with a .500 or better overall record. This is a chance for the Tiger Hawks to stretch their league lead. Turkey Valley is 10-11, 3-1.

North Tama at Baxter

What’s at stake: Sole ownership in the South Division of the Iowa Star Conference. North Tama (17-7, 4-0) is the cream of the division, the South’s only team above .500 overall, and the Redhawks have done it against a challenging schedule. Baxter is 6-10, 3-0.

Comments: jeff.linder@thegazette.com