The Waterloo volleyball program needed a change of pace. The Pirates had lost three consecutive Capitol – South games, culminating with a rough sweep loss at Marshall on Thursday, Sept. 19.
The opportunity to get right came in the form of an invitational at New Lisbon High School on Saturday, Sept. 21. Up against teams of a similar size and skill level, Waterloo could show out and build some momentum. The Pirates took full advantage.
Waterloo charged all the way to the championship match, winning their first three games while only losing one set in the process. The run ended with a sweep loss in the title match, but the Pirates walked away with a runner-up plaque and a much-needed confidence boost.
The day began against the one team to steal a set off of the Pirates, Riverdale. The Chieftains took the opening set 25-17, but Waterloo battled back to win the second 25-17 and won the deciding third set 15-10. Sophomore setter Mya Novak stood out with 10 assists and three aces. Senior outside hitter Kylie Webster also put down four kills while junior middle Nikomi Sullivan denied a trio of blocks.