Boys from Hemel Drive Claim Elusive State Tennis Title
Over the past ten years, few schools have had the consistent success that the Pella Dutch have had in boys tennis competitions. But for all of the accolades earned, a championship trophy remained elusive for one of Iowa’s top programs — that was, until Wednesday. Jack Briggs and Joshua Roozeboom dominated the field in the Class 1A doubles tournament held in Waterloo — only dropping three sets over the two day tournament, to claim the first individual state championship for the program. Briggs and Roozeboom are part of a deep family legacy in the tennis programs at Pella High, with several state qualifying siblings — and Briggs earned runner up in the same tournament in 2022 with older brother Caleb. Pella has been ranked #1 wire-to-wire in 2023, and will try to claim the first place team trophy next week in Iowa City.

Dutch Soccer Boys Fall at Hoover, Season Ends
In the boys substate finals, #12 Pella traveled to #2 Des Moines Hoover, and fell 2-1. The Dutch had to come out with energy and played strong, according to Head Coach Mark Solomon, as in only the 3rd minute of the game, a Pella corner kick by Teddy Apostolopoulos was headed in by Logan Solomon, and the Dutch were up 1-0. Pella had a couple of other chances in the first half, but couldn’t capitalize. Hoover dominated possession after the halftime break, and in the 61st minute, a low shot from an angle beat the Dutch Goalkeeper and the game was tied 1-1. Only a few minutes later, a free kick by Hoover’s captain floated into the far corner of the goal. Pella finishes the season in the substate finals, and has made it that far (or deeper in the postseason) every year since 2017.

Pella Girls Soccer Playing for Return to Cownie
After a dominating season on the pitch, the #4 Pella girls soccer team has dreams of pursuing a state title in 2023. But in order for that to become reality, the Dutch first have to make it back to the Cownie Sports Complex. Pella welcomes Fort Madison to the Class 2A regional finals at Pella High School this evening. The Dutch dominated Carlisle 10-0 Tuesday, while the Bloodhounds toppled Burlington in penalty kicks after falling twice to their conference foes earlier in the season. Pella has its eyes set on a 14th ever trip to the state tournament and first since 2019. The match begins at 7 p.m. at Pella High and can be viewed on Pella Dutch Live.

Lyons Seeking Improvement in Return State Golf Bid
While most of her season was lost due to injury, Pella sophomore Karsyn Lyons was able to come back just in time to earn back-to-back state golf bids. The journey for the top golfer in the Dutch lineup brings her to Cedar Falls today and tomorrow for the chance to improve upon her 2022 state tournament. Lyons placed 28th out of 76 individuals as a freshman.

Also in action today:
Pella Girls Softball vs. PCM – 7:30 p.m.