BUSSEY — The Twin Cedars volleyball team showed that its No. 12 ranking in the Class 1A preseason poll might be legitimate Tuesday, as the Sabers opened the season with a three-game sweep of Montezuma.

Twin Cedars won by scores of 25-14, 25-13 and 25-14 as all-stater Lindsay Hoehns powered home 16 kills to set the tone.

Hoehns also had 11 digs while teammate Courtney Jones added 10. Daniela Goemaat had 21 set assists while Kelsi Walter was 16-18 serving with three aces and Rhianna Wallace served 12-14 with two aces.

Twin Cedars, which was 23-3 overall last season, will get a bigger test at home on Thursday, when the Sabers will host Eddyville Blakesburg, which is ranked 14th in Class 2A.

Twin Cedars 25-25-25, Montezuma 14-13-14

Twin Cedars Statistics

Serving — Lindsay Hoehns 12-13 1 ace, Rhianna Wallace 12-14 2 aces, Kelsi Walter 16-18 3 aces.

Hitting — Hoehns 16 kills, Sydney Veenstra 3 kills, Wallace 1 kill, Walter 1 kill. Team — 21.

Setting — Daniela Goemaat 21 assists. Team — 23.

Digs — Walter 6, Hoehns 11, Courtney Jones 10. Team — 31.

Panthers win WACO tourney title

WAYLAND — The Pekin volleyball team opened up the season with some good success on Tuesday, as the Panthers headed over to Wayland for the WACO Tournament and came home with the title.

“It was a great way to start the season,” said Pekin coach Jina Heisdorffer. “I’m proud of the way the girls worked together as a team.”

The Panthers went 2-1 in pool play, falling to Wapello (21-14, 14-21 and 21-13) before defeating Columbus (21-8, 21-8) and Van Buren (21-12, 21-13). Despite a three-way tie in the pool, Pekin qualified for the championship game with Iowa Valley on points and then rose to the occasion, winning in three sets by scores of 25-22, 22-25 and 15-10.