NEW SHARON – North Mahaska had a solid night in the quarterfinals of the Class 2A volleyball tourney Wednesday. The Warhawks won in three sets 25-18, 2-11, 25-14. They will go to Iowa City Monday to take on No. 9 Iowa City Regina.

Pekin was able to stay toe-to-toe wit North Mahaska through the first 12-15 points but the Warhawks’ aggressiveness outlasted Pekin.

First year coach Grace Ceresa used the tourney opener to prepare her team for future Class 2A tilts.

“We may give up a few more points than usual but I want us to be ready if we advance,” Ceresa said prior to Wednesday’s contest.

The first set was tied at 16-16 when NM’s Nataliya Linder rolled off three points including a service ace. North Mahaska allowed just two points the remainder of the set.

“Our team is really good in the last five points of the game,” said Ceresa. “That is a strong part of our game.”

In the second set the Warhawks did not wait that long. Leading 3-1, NM outscored Pekin 22-10 utilizing five service aces along with strong hitting and blocking at the net, which put the visiting Panthers on the defensive.

Pekin stayed with North Mahaska in the final set, leading 12-10 before NM rolled away.

“I wanted us to have a good service night,” said Ceresa. “I like it when we serve aggressively.”

In the three sets, North Mahaska hit four balls into the net and three out of bounds. Their strength was at the net. Linder scored eight kills and recorded a block and service ace. Regan Grewe had six kills, three aces and two blocks. Breckyn Schilling had five kills and two blocks. Sydney Andersen finished with three kills and two aces.

It was the final home match for six seniors, Ally Livezey, Kayla Readshaw, Breckyn Schilling, Regan Grewe, Sydney Andersen and Libby Hargis. Their quest to end their season at state continues when they take their 21-1 record to Iowa City.