Isabel Hallett (5) and Lainey Willenbring (1) showcase their enthusiasm just moments ahead of the start of North Tama’s triangular with Meskwaki and Aplington-Parkersburg Thursday, September 2. The Redhawks had a great night winning both match-ups and earning a spot for the first time this season on the IGHSAU Class 1A volleyball rankings. Photo by Ruby F. Bodeker

Following a triumphant pair of wins at home the week of August 30, the North Tama volleyball team made an appearance for the first time this season on the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union’s Class 1A volleyball rankings — clocking in at number 7.

Helping cement their placement in the rankings, the Redhawks were victorious Thursday, September 2 in a triangular with the Meskwaki Warriors and Aplington-Parkersburg Falcons in Traer.

North Tama opened the evening by defeating the Warriors in a quick succession of sets — winning 25-18 and 25-6.

In their second match-up of the night, the Redhawks again found success against the Falcons, winning their first set 25-18, dropping their second 16-25, and then coming back in the third set 16-14 for an overall win.

The 2A Falcons came into Thursday’s matchup with a 5-1 record with wins over Pocahontas Area, Bishop Garrigan, St. Edmond Catholic, Southeast Valley, and Columbus Catholic.

Junior Shae Ewoldt (6) spikes the ball in the Redhawks Nest early on in North Tama’s September 2 match-up against Meskwaki. Ewoldt recorded 13 kills across two sets against the Warriors Thursday evening helping propel the Redhawks win 2-0. Photo by Ruby F. Bodeker

Against A-P, the Redhawks offense was steered by junior setter Jadyn Rausch with 13 kills and 13 assists across the three-set match.

The 5-foot-one senior Kaitlyn Calderwood contributed six assists and two aces.

Freshman Kylie Calderwood also had a pair of aces.

On the defensive end, North Tama got contributions from Kaitlyn Calderwood and junior Lainey Willenbring each with 10 digs and Jadyn Rausch with nine digs.

The Redhawks hosted the North Tama Tournament on Saturday, September 4 against a tough crop of teams, dropping a match to Dunkerton 1-2 but finding success against both Brooklyn Guernsey Malcom and North Fayette Valley, winning both match-ups 2-0.

The Redhawks’ powerhouse junior setter Jadyn Rausch (2) sets up the ball Thursday, September 2 during North Tama’s home triangular with Meskwaki and Aplington-Parkersburg. Photo by Ruby F. Bodeker

North Tama volleyball sees action again this evening, Thursday, September 9, at home against Gladbrook-Reinbeck Rebels at 7:15 p.m. The Rebels were ranked number 3 on IGHSAU’s Class 1A rankings for the week of August 30.

Sophomore middle hitter Kinsley Even spikes the ball in a set against the Meskwaki Warriors the evening of Thursday, September 2. Photo by Ruby F. Bodeker