The home opener for the #3 in 4A Pella volleyball team has big stakes as the Little Hawkeye Conference season begins this evening. The #5 in 4A Norwalk Warriors travel to Pella High School for what very well could be the two league title contenders squaring off to begin the new calendar.

The Dutch defeated Norwalk in a pair of sweeps last fall and both at home, including the Class 4A Regional Championship game. But the Warriors have a large contingent back from the 2024 team, including 3rd team All-State honoree Elle Hatlevig, and 2nd Team All-Little Hawkeye Conference selection Jillian Hammond. Hatelvig leads the team with 72 kills in nine matches, with Hammond topping the blocks list with 15 total. Setter Hadley Michael is also back for Norwalk.

Pella and Norwalk are the top ranked teams out of the Little Hawkeye Conference in the preseason rankings. The Warriors are 5-4 overall, with their only losses coming to top seven teams in Class 5A competition. The Dutch are 7-2, dropping matches to #1 in 2A Denver and #4 in 3A Mid-Prairie.

Opening serve is at 7:15 this evening at Pella High School. The event will be broadcast on Pella Dutch Live on YouTube.