The Norwalk volleyball team will begin postseason play ranked sixth in Class 4A following Monday’s release of the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union’s final state rankings. The Warriors slipped one spot in the 4A top 10 following Saturday’s 4-1 showing at the Winterset Tournament. They will enter regional play at 27-11 overall, just one victory shy of tying last year’s school record for wins in a season.

Norwalk is the top seed in Class 4A, Region 5 and has earned a first-round bye. The Warriors will host the winner of tonight’s game between Bondurant-Farrar and Newton in a regional semifinal on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. The opposite half of the Region 5 bracket includes 14th-ranked Ballard, No. 15 Nevada and Boone. Norwalk is in line to host the regional final on Tuesday, October 28.

Warrior statistical leaders on the season include sophomore Elle Hatlevig with a 4A leading 411 kills, junior Hadley Michael 837 assists (fourth in 4A), junior Delaynee Steele 56 blocks and a .325 kill efficiency, junior Reese Heim 334 digs and Michael 41 ace serves. Michael has already set the Warriors’ career record with 2,208 assists and counting.

Norwalk is looking to qualify for the State Volleyball Tournament for the second time in the last three years.