(Corning, IA) — A year ago, Southwest Valley’s volleyball team was stuck at the .500 mark but fast forward to 2024 and the Timberwolves are suddenly a contender for the state tournament. On Monday night, they face Stanton in a Class 1A, Region 6 Semifinal.
After a 14-15 season last season, expectations for Southwest Valley was low this year but they have put together a 19 match winning streak going into tonight’s game. Timberwolves Head Coach Lisa Sparks says this team is playing better this year because of teamwork
This season Southwest Valley is led by Senior Katie Lilley with 203 kills, 178 digs, and 35 aces; Senior Marley Gray also has 203 kills, 218 digs, and 54 aces. Equally dangerous in the offense is Sophomore Ray Helvie with 176 kills and 53 blocks plus Junior Mackenzie Fast with 105 kills, 156 digs and 33 aces.
Southwest Valley has a very aggressive service game that is kind of all or nothing — they are serving at an 88.6 percent clip which is not high but they have 275 aces which ranks 4th in Class 1A. Sparks the most dangerous server is Senior Maddie Bevington who is tied for 5th in 1A with 73 aces
The Timberwolves beat Stanton in 5 sets about a month ago — the Viqueens are led by Senior Lauren Johnson with 463 kills which leads all of Class 1A and ranks 5th in the entire state. But Southwest Valley is the middle of a magical season says Sparks
#13 Southwest Valley is 29-3, Stanton 20-18, game time is at 7 pm in Stanton tonight.
Complete Interview with Southwest Valley Head Coach Lisa Sparks