Just over halfway through the Little Hawkeye Conference schedule, the Pella and Pella Christian volleyball teams are poised for a one-two finish.
The Lady Dutch, ranked first in class 4-A, are the only unbeaten team remaining in conference play at 4-0, and Coach Catie Brand says that it’s an important goal for her team to finish at the top of the standings.
“Just this week, Dallas Center Grimes became a ranked team – they’re ranked 15th in the state. Norwalk is up there as well, so to have three ranked teams in the conference is really good. It also lets us know that every conference match is going to be tough and we have to come to play against Newton, DCG and Oskaloosa. We think those three wins are something we can achieve, but we know we’re going to have to be ready and work hard for it.”
Across town, John Evenhouse’s Pella Christian squad is 2-2 in the league, but hosts Grinnell and Newton this week, two teams at the bottom of the standings.
“We’ve got a good shot at winning those two, which would put us at 4-2. Then we have just one more match with Dallas Center Grimes, who has just one loss. But that means we could give them their second loss, and could finish in second place in the Little Hawkeye Conference.”
Pella Christian hosts Grinnell tonight, and Pella is at home against Newton. Both matches are scheduled to start at 7:15.