The two Tulip City volleyball teams find themselves as preseason favorites to contend for spots in the state tournament, according to the first poll released by the Iowa High School Girls Athletic Union.

Defending runners-up in class 4A, the Lady Dutch are ranked 3rd to start the fall. Pella fell to No. 2 Dubuque Wahlert in the state championship game last season, and No. 1 Xavier was a state semifinalist a season ago.

Pella Christian Volleyball Head Coach John Evenhouse feels like the 2017 Eagles can make it to the U.S. Cellular Center — and the rest of the state’s voters agree on their contending status, placing Pella Christian 10th in Class 2A.

Defending 3A champions Dike-New Hartford are now No. 1 in 2A after dropping down a class, followed by defending 2A champions and the Eagles’ cross state-rivals, Western Christian. 2016 champion Janesville is first in 1A, Kuemper Catholic leads the 3A poll, and three-time defending champions Ankeny Centennial come in as the 5A favorite.

Pella and Pella Christian’s ranked volleyball teams are in action Saturday, as the 1-0 Lady Dutch travel to Bondurant and the Eagles kick off their season at the Ankeny Centennial tournament.

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