PHOTO BY AMANDA WOBETER - The STC volleyball team celebrates their championship at the South Hardin Tournament this past weekend.

The STC volleyball team faced a key early-season test on Tuesday, September 8, when they traveled to Tiffin to face fellow-WaMaC foe and the Class 4A, #2 ranked CCA Clippers.

The Trojans held their own with CCA but fell, 3-0, in three competitive matches (25-13, 26-24, and 25-19). On the evening, STC was led in kills by junior Stella Zmolek (6), followed by junior Scout Ridout (5), junior Maylee Rucker (5), and senior Paisley Bro (4). Rucker led the team with 10 assists, while Bro led with 10 digs. Junior Layla Pansegrau paced STC with 3 aces on the night.

Following the trip to Tiffin, the Trojans traveled to Eldora on Saturday, September 11, to compete in the annual South Hardin Tournament. STC bounced back in a major way, winning all five of their matches to take the tournament championship.

It was a commanding performance by the Trojans, as they defeated host South Hardin (21-17, 21-23, 15-8); Oelwein (21-9, 21-15); Clarion-Goldfield-Dows (21-17, 21-11); Greene County (21-13, 21-19); and Gladbrook-Reinbeck (21-16, 21-14).

After a long stretch of competing on the road, STC will now return home to host two dual meets and their annual tournament — all within a five-day period. On Tuesday, Sept. 22 (7:30 p.m.), the Trojans will host Grinnell in dual action. This will be followed by another dual meet on Thursday, Sept. 24 (7:30 p.m.), against Oskaloosa. The STC Invite will take place on Saturday, Sept. 26, at the STC high school gym. Action will begin at 8:30 a.m. with participants that include Belle Plaine and East Marshall.