Reivers go 2-0 in opening day of Blue Dragon Classic

Hutchinson, KS.-  The second ranked Iowa Western Reivers faced tough competition in Hutchinson, KS during the Blue Dragon Classic. With a guest list of mostly top ranked NJCAA teams, the tournament was a sneak peak of what the national tournament would look like.

In the first match of the day, Iowa Western took on No. 6 ranked, Navarro (Texas). The powerful Reivers offense was set up by Hina Pua'a with a match high, 30 assists. Outside hitter, Irina Alekseeva and Kortlyn Henderson teamed up to lead the squad offensively by putting down 20 kills combined. Defensively, libero, Ariana Macies took charge, tallying 18 digs while Morgan Bossler had four blocks. The Reivers defeated Navarro in straight sets (25-23, 25-16, and 25-20).

Next up for the Reivers was Missouri State West Plains for the second time this season. The Grizzlies came out with great intensity; however the Reivers started strong  and didn't look back. Iowa Western won in straight sets (25-11, 25-21, and 25-19). Setter, Pua'a recorded her second straight match of 30 or more assists, this time with 31. The Reivers were led by Henderson, who scored 10 kills, while Genesis Sheridan hit a clip of .500 for the match with six kills. Defensively, Bossler and Sheridan teamed up for nine blocks while Macies and Brooklyn McCain picked up 12 and 10 digs respectively.

Next up for Iowa Western are two more top 25 opponents in Northeastern (Colorado) and Seward County (Kansas) on Saturday in Hutchinson.