PV drops to Assumption, Bulldogs earn share of MAC title

It was assumed that PV would close out the season without a loss in the MAC, and would surpass Bettendorf to end the Bulldogs’ MAC title streak, but after Monday's matchups everything has changed.

The Bulldogs played the Blue Devils at Davenport Central last night to finish out the MAC season, and with one loss to the front runner PV, they would sit at second place at the end of the night. The Bulldogs defeated Central in four sets, dropping the third set 18-25. The standouts for the game include seniors Jordan Ratigan, Emma Ostrom, and Caroline Baer who all totaled 10 or more kills on the night. Seniors Grace Erpelding and Abbey Fromi combined for 43 assists and junior Ally Grothusen and senior Lita Solbrig each had four blocks.

As the fourth set was starting at Davenport Central, some exciting news came to the Bulldogs. Over at Pleasant Valley High School on the Spartan volleyball team’s senior night against Assumption, the Knights swept the Spartans in three sets, knocking PV down to the same record as Bettendorf in conference play, therefore giving the Bulldogs a share of the MAC title.

After losing to the Spartans in a thrilling five set match, Bettendorf lost its 42 game conference win streak and PV looked likely to win the MAC title outright, ending a streak of conference domination by the Bulldogs. However, with the help of Assumption’s outstanding performance on Monday night, along with Bettendorf’s victory over Davenport Central, the Bulldogs now have a share of the 2017 MAC volleyball title.

Bettendorf now gears up for the post season run for a chance to go back to the state tournament at the U.S. Cellular Center in Cedar Rapids.