By Sydney Hauser

The Mount Vernon volleyball team beat the Bobcats of Western Dubuque to become outright WaMaC East Conference Champions. The Mustangs have been a dominant volleyball team for many years. They’ve qualified for the state tournament every year under the direction of Maggie Willems, with the exception of 2011, her first season as head coach. While the team has been very successful in the postseason, this is the first year with Willems as head coach that the team has been conference champions.“Most of all, I’m excited for the athletes in this program,” stated Willems about the newfound title, “It’s a great accomplishment”.

The success is helping the Mustangs prepare for postseason play, “This title should build their confidence,” said Willems “as we are well-tested, and have performed great against strong competition.” With this new confidence the team was ready for regional play.

The team hosted the Vinton-Shellsburg Vikettes on Wed. Oct. 18 in the first round of regional play. The ‘Stangs beat Vinton in three sets: 25-8, 25-9, and 25-16. A key to the team’s continued success doesn’t happen on the court, but rather outside the gym.

“Our team is special because we are all so close with each other,” said senior Catherine Yeoman “We hang out all the time which has helped build our team chemistry.” You can witness that chemistry on Tues. Oct. 24 at 7:00 in the high school gymnasium where Mount Vernon will host the Benton Bobcats in the second round of regional play.