NEW SHARON – To say Monday was an emotional rollercoaster for North Mahaska would be an understatement. Despite the high emotion, the Warhawks kept their undefeated streak against South Iowa Cedar League teams intact with a 25-23, 25-13, 25-19. NM will play in the Gold bracket at a site to be determined. They will play on Thursday.

North Mahaska entered Monday night’s contest with heavy hearts when one the district’s family suffered a tragic car accident Friday. There was a moment of silence held prior to the start of the contest.

English Valleys took the early lead 7-4 and expanded it to 12-8. Gracie DeGeest served the team back to a 13-12 deficit. A service line error tied the match and Kayla Readshaw hit an ace to give NM the lead 15-14. From there the teams traded points and a Breckyn Schilling block gave North Mahaska the opening win.

In set two, each team had trouble serving to start the contest. Kaylia Shipman propelled the Warhawks into the lead 11-8 and NM allowed just five more points to the Bears in the set. Set three was close early until NM built a five point lead and at times reached seven. English Valleys remained scrappy but could not overcome the Warhawks. Sydney Andersen laid down a kill from the outside to give North Mahaska the lead in the best 3-of-5 match.

Regan Grewe and Kieren Perez led the Warhawk charge. Grewe recorded six kills and a block while Perez added five kills and two blocks. Andersen recorded two service aces.

Nm coach Grace Cesera said her team overcame a lot of emotion.

“It’s been a hard day with a lot of emotion,” said Cesera. “We haven’t seen them (English Valleys) this season and we may have overlooked them a bit. We played a lot differently than normal. I am just glad we have a couple days to prepare.”