RedTails Battle Tough Against No. 10 Iowa Central

The Hawkeye Community College Volleyball team showed grit on the road Thursday, September 11, but ultimately fell to No. 10 Iowa Central, 3–1.

The RedTails opened strong in the first set, playing nearly point-for-point with the Tritons until a late run by Iowa Central secured a 25–21 result. The second set proved more difficult, as Iowa Central adjusted their game plan and pulled away with a 25–13 win.

Hawkeye bounced back in the third, responding with energy and precision. Behind a more balanced attack, the RedTails claimed a 25–20 victory to cut into the deficit. In the fourth set, the teams once again traded points in a tight battle until 18–18, when Iowa Central strung together a run to finish the match with a 25–18 win.

"We were extremely proud of our effort against a very talented Iowa Central team," said head coach Christy Mahi. "The first set was played point for point until their run at the end."

Mahi noted the shift in the second set but was encouraged by his team's response.

"They adjusted their game plan in the second, and we struggled to adjust at first," she said. "But then we came back firing in the third set. I was proud of the adjustments we made, and those allowed us to win that set."

The RedTails nearly forced a fifth set, but Iowa Central held strong.

"We were back to playing point for point in the fourth until about 18–18," Mahi said. "Overall, I am very happy with our continued growth and improvement."

The matchup wrapped up a demanding week for Hawkeye.

"We had a tough slate playing the No. 1 and No. 2 preseason conference picks," Mahi added. "We are a talented group that will continue to battle as we move on to next week."

The RedTails return to action on Wednesday, September 17, when they travel to take on Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls. First serve is set for 6:30pm.