SW Valley’s season ends a win short of state

Southwest Valley saw its historic volleyball season come to an end in the Class 1A, Region 6 finals last Wednesday in Alleman.
No. 7 ranked Janesville (23-17) got out to an early lead and never let the Timberwolves settle in during the 25-19, 25-20, 25-17 victory at North Polk High School.
Southwest Valley coach Lisa Sparks said her team couldn’t overcome a slow start.
“We played hesitant and tense to start the match,” Sparks said. “We played right with them but just couldn’t get the game in our control. Janesville did a great job running a quick tempo and mixing up their shots. We were able to do a little with our serving to get them out of system but in the end it just wasn’t enough.”
The Timberwolves struggled to get into a rhythm offensively, hitting .096 as a team with 19 kills. But it true team fashion, they had four player tie for the team lead with four kills apiece. Katey Lillie, Marley Gray, Ray Helvie and Mackenzie Fast all put down four winners.
Morgan Shuler dished up 14 assists on offense while Marley Gray led defensively with 15 digs.
The Timberwolves close out their season with a record of 30-4. The season included a school-record for wins including an undefeated, 11-0 Pride of Iowa Conference record and the school’s first ever appearance in a regional final.
In all, nine seniors played last match in a Southwest Valley uniform in the regional finals.
“We lose a big senior class who will greatly be missed,” Sparks said. “Their leadership, work ethic and dedication were unmatched. I challenged them to leave a legacy this year. With nine seniors it is hard to get all on the court. I asked them to find their role and leadership style. Each and everyone of these girls did that for this team this year.”
Sparks couldn’t be prouder of what this team accomplished.
“They pushed each other, cheered each other on, picked each other up on and off the court this year,” she said. “They are a very special group of girls. Any team who ends a season 30-4 should have something to hold their head high about.”
With the win Janesville advances to the state tournament for the first time since 2021.

Southwest Valley 25-27-25
Stanton 22-25-20
Southwest Valley swept to a 25-22, 27-25, 25-20 victory over Stanton in the Class 1A, Region 6 semifinals in Stanton last Monday.
The No. 13 ranked Timberwolves (30-3) were aggressive at the net with 42 kills, but it was on defense and in her team’s mindset where head coach Lisa Sparks was most impressed.
“We had only dropped one set (to Creston) in the month of October so far so being prepared to do so and still play volleyball was our focus,” she said. “Our offense is working, and pieces are coming together. Our defense is strong, but we put a lot of effort into it this last week. The girls came together and played as a unit tonight. I cannot be prouder of their grit, determination, and love for this sport.
Ray Helvie led a trio of Timberwolves with double figures in kills with 12.  with 12
“She got touches on balls that helped slow down ball and allow us to play a strong offense,” Sparks said of Helvie.
Katey Lillie added11 kills and Marley Gray 10. Mackenzie Fast also added 7 strong kills. The night also marked Lillie’s 500th career kill.
Morgan Shuler paced the offense with 35 assists. Southwest Valley also was strong at the service line (71-of-77) with four aces.
“Our serves were aggressive keeping Stanton out of system, but Stanton did a great job not allowing many aces for us tonight,” Sparks said. 
Defensively, they were led by Maddie Bevington’s 21 digs.
Lauren Johnson led Stanton with 15 kills.