Hillcrest takes down WACO

Article Credit: Jack Knowlton/The Union
Oct. 6, 2025
Hillcrest Academy rebounded from a 1-2 showing in Southeast Iowa Super Conference pool play with a win over league foes WACO on Thursday. The Ravens took down the Warriors 3-0 (25-15, 25-12, 25-15).

The Ravens (15-7, 4-1 SEISC North) flipped early deficits in all three sets into comfortable victories on their home court. WACO started the third set with an 11-4 lead and looked primed to take the match to a fourth.

Rather than call a timeout, Hillcrest coach Tanna Boshart let her players figure out the necessary adjustments. The Ravens went on a 5-1 run to force a WACO timeout.

Hillcrest got back in front 14-13 and the Warriors burned their second timeout in quick succession. The Ravens added four more unanswered points and surrendered just two more to the Warriors.

“One of the things the girls had talked about this week was preparing for those longer volleys,” Boshart said. “So we did work on that in practice, so I did feel like that was in their bodies that we had practiced that this week, and I think that was helpful.”

The Ravens connected on 95% of their serves and had 17 aces Thursday. Claire Withrow racked up seven aces. Niva Helmuth had three and landed 14 of 15 serves in play. Helmuth added eight kills and a pair of blocks.

Withrow and Stavia Miller each chipped in six kills and Withrow 19 assists. Brynna Boshart and Claire Miller had strong outings on defense with nine and eight digs, respectively.