The final volleyball rankings released Monday, Oct. 16, by the IGHSAU had Mount Vernon at No. 1 in Class 3A.
And that’s just fine for the Mustangs.
“I feel like our goal this season is to win state,” junior hitter Chloe Meester said. “Pretty obvious.”
Mount Vernon (32-4) opened Class 3A regional play with a 25-9, 25-11, 25-17, win over Williamsburg on Tuesday, Oct. 17, in Mount Vernon.
Then the Mustangs beat Benton Community 25-13, 25-10, 25-18, on Thursday, Oct. 19.
“We’ve talked about the characteristics of state title teams,” Mount Vernon Coach Maggie Willems said following the Williamsburg match. “What are things we see from state title teams?
“Skill, that’s the no-brainer. But other things we talk about are grit and how to handle pressure.”
The Mustangs were scheduled to play unranked Anamosa (28-9) for the 3A Region 7 title on Tuesday, Oct. 24, in Mount Vernon. (That’ll be in next week’s Sun.)
Not counting 2023, yet, Mount Vernon has been to state five straight seasons, and 10 of the last 11. And 17 times overall.
The State Tournament is Monday, Oct. 30, to Thursday, Nov. 2, at Xtream Arena in Coralville.
Against Williamsburg, Mount Vernon showed some diversity in its attack.
Meester still led with 22 kills, but Brooke Ellyson had 10 kills and Paige Schurbon added nine kills. Mount Vernon had an attack efficiency of .451 as a team.
“Obviously, teams that plan for us are going to plan for Chloe,” Willems said. “But we have great offensive options other than Chloe. So being balanced is going to make it more difficult for other teams, so that’s a goal of ours.”
Sydney Huber had 45 assists. Meester led with 10 digs with Jaden Rolland and Ellyson adding nine digs each.
Against Benton, Meester had 13 kills, Ellyson nine and Schurbon nine, as the Mustangs hit .407 as a team.
“One of the best things about a team sport is the chance to get excited about your teammates when they are successful,” Willems said. “We do a great job of that.”
Sometimes Meester can get a little too excited, shoving her teammates after a big point to celebrate.
Which the Louisville recruit needs to be careful with.
“I have pushed too hard before, in club,” Meester said. “They fell and I fell on top of them.”
It is a good problem to need to worry about.
Mount Vernon senior Brooke Ellyson returns a serve in front of Eryn Jackson during a Class 3A regional match against Williamsburg on Tuesday, Oct. 17, in Mount Vernon.