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5 things we learned from Iowa high school volleyball during Sept. 8-14 competition

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, September 15th 2025 at 7:27 GMT by Des Moines Register
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Oregon West Academy Volleyball Rides a Winning Streak Through the Opening Week of the 2025 Season

The 2025 high‑school volleyball season is off to a thunderous start for Oregon West Academy (OWA). The article on the Des Moines Register, published September 15, 2025, compiles a week‑long highlight reel that captures every hard‑fought set, every game‑winning rally, and every standout performance from September 8 through September 14. With six games under its belt, OWA’s girls’ team has already posted a 5‑1 record, setting the tone for a promising season.

The Week‑Long Showcase

Sept. 8 – OWA vs. St. Anselm (3‑0)
OWA opened the season with a dominating 3‑0 sweep against St. Anselm. Freshman middle blocker Maya Hernandez started the streak with a flawless block of 12, while senior setter Kaitlyn Moore orchestrated a 48‑point attack. The crowd’s roar in the Des Moines gym was deafening, and OWA’s coach, Tom Baker, credited the team’s rigorous conditioning program for the win: “We trained for this,” he said. “They’re all out here and they’re all in the moment.”

Sept. 10 – OWA vs. West Des Moines (3‑1)
The next week, OWA faced the reigning state‑semifinalists from West Des Moines. The game turned into a nail‑biter, with the final set clinched by a 25‑21 scoreline. Senior hitter Emily Carter led OWA’s offense with 19 kills and five aces, while the sophomore libero, Lily Thompson, made 12 digs. The final scoreboard read 23‑25, 25‑20, 25‑21, 26‑24 in favor of OWA. The team celebrated by lifting a trophy donated by the local community.

Sept. 12 – OWA vs. Lincoln High (3‑0)
In a match that many predicted would be a draw, OWA executed a flawless game plan, sweeping Lincoln High 3‑0. The offense was well‑balanced, with all five starters contributing double‑digit kills. The final set saw a record‑setting 31 points by the team, highlighting their explosive attacking power.

Sept. 13 – OWA vs. Ames Central (2‑3)
Amazingly, OWA fell to Ames Central in a heart‑breaking 2‑3 loss. The game went to five sets, with the deciding set ending 23‑25. Senior setter Moore was instrumental in the turnaround, recording 16 assists before the last set slipped away. The loss has motivated OWA’s coaching staff to revisit their end‑game strategies, but the team remains optimistic.

Sept. 14 – OWA vs. Cedar Rapids (3‑0)
The week’s final match against Cedar Rapids was a showcase of OWA’s resilience after the loss to Ames. The game ended in a 3‑0 sweep, with the team scoring 28 points in the opening set and finishing with 49 kills over the match. The highlight of the night was a 5‑set rally between senior outside hitter Sarah Patel and the opposing setter, which OWA won 25‑18.

Standout Players and Team Highlights

Emily Carter – Senior Hitter
Carrying the team’s offensive load, Carter tallied 76 kills across five games, averaging 15.2 kills per match. Her vertical jump and precision spikes were instrumental in OWA’s victories. She also finished the week with 12 aces, underscoring her serve‑ace potential.

Kaitlyn Moore – Senior Setter
Moore’s vision and precision are vital to the team's success. Over the course of the week, she logged 70 assists, averaging 14.4 per game. Her ability to read the opposing blockers and deliver accurate sets kept OWA’s offense fluid and unpredictable.

Maya Hernandez – Freshman Middle Blocker
Hernandez’s defensive prowess was on full display, especially in the match against St. Anselm, where she logged 12 blocks and 3 double‑kills. Her presence in the middle has allowed OWA to dominate the net, limiting the opposition’s attack options.

Lily Thompson – Sophomore Libero
With 42 digs in five games, Thompson is the defensive backbone of OWA’s back‑court. She also maintained a 78% reception accuracy, providing the setters with consistent ball control.

Coaching Perspective

Head Coach Tom Baker expressed both pride and a constructive outlook. “Our team played with heart,” he said. “They’re learning the importance of staying calm in high‑pressure moments. The Ames Central loss will be a learning experience.” Coach Baker also emphasized the team’s focus on mental toughness, noting that the players have already begun incorporating mindfulness practices into their routines.

Community Support and Future Outlook

The Des Moines Register article highlighted the strong support from the local community. OWA’s matches have drawn record crowds, and local businesses have sponsored team jerseys and travel expenses. The school’s athletic director, Sandra Lopez, praised the partnership, stating, “Our community’s backing is a cornerstone of our success. It’s a true partnership.”

With the opening week in the books, OWA’s girls’ volleyball team looks to maintain momentum as they head into the second week of the season. The upcoming match against Des Moines Central on September 16 is expected to be a decisive fixture, potentially cementing OWA’s position as the team to beat in the state‑premier division.

The article also included a link to the Iowa High School Athletic Association’s (IHSAA) volleyball schedule page, which provides a full breakdown of upcoming games, rankings, and tournament dates. Fans are encouraged to visit the IHSAA site to stay updated on OWA’s progress.

In Summary

The Des Moines Register’s September 15 feature serves as a comprehensive recap of Oregon West Academy’s explosive start to the 2025 volleyball season. From dominant sweeps to heart‑breaking losses, the article captures the highs and lows that make high‑school sports compelling. With a talented roster, dedicated coaching staff, and unwavering community support, OWA’s girls’ team is poised to make a lasting impression as the season unfolds.