Shy away from a challenge? Not these Mustangs.

No. 8 Mount Vernon volleyball played another batch of ranked teams last week, going 2-3.

It started with a big WaMaC win at No. 9 (3A) Center Point-Urbana on Tuesday, Sept. 23. The Mustangs won, 25-22, 25-27, 26-24, 27-25.

“A true test of our perseverance,” Mount Vernon coach Maggie Willems said. “This was such a great opportunity for us to stay present in the moment and fight for each point.”

The win pushed Mount Vernon into a four-way tie atop the WaMaC East with CPU, West Delaware and Solon.

Sophia Meester led the team with 16 kills, followed by Cali Whitaker with 15. Madeline Boren, Madison Hoffert and Hayden Gookin each added six kills. Hoffert had 41 assists and Mavrik Schweer led the team with 28 digs and five ace serves.

On Saturday, Sept. 27, Mount Vernon played at the Liberty Invitational in North Liberty.

The Mustangs (12-10) beat Iowa City High, 21-17, 21-16, but lost to No. 8 (5A) Liberty, 21-12, 21-13, No. 5 (5A) Pleasant Valley, 20-22, 21-19, 15-13, and No. 3 (2A) Dike-New Hartford, 13-21, 21-13, 15-5.

“It was honestly some of the best volleyball we played all season,” Willems said. “We elevated our level of play against some of the best teams in the state.

“That is exactly why we play these games. The 1-3 record is deceptive. It was a great day.”