It took five sets to finish the first home match for Pella in 2023, but it was advantage Norwalk as the #6 in 4A volleyball team took a 3-2 Little Hawkeye Conference showdown Tuesday (22-25, 25-20, 25-12, 23-25, 15-9).

The Dutch celebrated their Class of ’23 with senior night, as their final home game falls during homecoming, and that momentum launched the Dutch to a first set victory. The Warriors largely controlled festivities from there, winning the next two sets and taking a lead in the 4th. The Dutch ultimately rallied and forced a fifth set, which was tied 5-5 before the road team rattled off five points in a row to take control.

Ava Johnson led the Warriors with 20 kills and Noelle Sutcliffe added 18. For Pella, Katie Scheckel finished with 13 kills and Sydney Namminga added seven. Norwalk improves to 14-10 overall and 3-1 in the conference, and heads to Nevada Saturday; the Dutch fall to 12-8 overall and 1-2 in conference competition, and heads to the Carlisle tournament Saturday.

Players from both teams are featured on Today’s Lely Radio Sports Page.