VB sets standards high in tough conference

Jayne Durnin/Staff Writer

The varsity volleyball team has always set the standard pretty high, and this year’s team is no different.

Cedar Falls hosted the Tiger Invitational on Saturday and placed second in their pool and second in the constellation bracket.
Sixteen teams were invited, including some favored teams, Waterloo East, Cedar Rapids Washington and Dike-New Hartford.

“Every team there played tough. We have a great tournament each and every year,” Flaherty said.

The Tigers, led by captains Libby Dagit and Keeley Orvis, are off to a great start with a record of 12-6 so far this season.

“The girls are very close and communicate well with each other. They all have the same goals and work together to achieve them,” head coach Matt Flaherty said.

The team, including returning letter winners Laura Johnson, Keeley Orvis and Sydney Howard, have been working hard and on and off the court since the beginning of the summer. They were in the weight room three times a week and practicing on the court as well, ending the summer with two weeks of two-a-days. All of their training payed off; the Tigers started the season off with a victory against Waterloo West at home.
Farther into the season, though, a few injuries set them back.

“We’ve had a couple of ankle problems with some of the seniors, but they worked hard all summer at lifting, so they are strong and are getting back quickly,” Flaherty said.

The Tigers have pushed through those barriers, though. They are hoping to finish out the season with a winning conference record and to do well in Regionals. They would also like to advance to State.

“We hope to beat all the teams in our conference. We play in a very tough conference. Ten of the 14 teams are rated each week and present great competition each night out,” Flaherty said.