The Iowa Central volleyball team honored their 11 sophomores prior to Wednesday night’s ICCAC match with Iowa Lakes.

And once the first ball was served, the Tritons flexed their muscles, sweeping the Lakers inside Hodges Fieldhouse.

Scores were 25-17, 25-13 and 25-20.

Hayli Dorfmeyer, one of those sophomores, recorded a game-high 11 kills, while Hannah Myers added eight. Myers, a Webster City graduate, also had two blocks.

“I think some of the girls were a little nervous,” ICCC head coach Sara Horn said. “That was to be expected, as many of them haven’t played in front of their parents or families ever in their college careers.

“But once we settled in, I thought we played a very good match.”

Iowa Central (22-13 overall, 5-2 in league) remains in the thick of things in the ICCAC. They are fourth overall, a game behind both No. 15 DMACC and 20th-ranked Northeast. No. 9 Kirkwood has clinched the conference title already.

“I feel like we didn’t play perfect volleyball, but we did a great job of capitalizing and avoiding any letdown,” Horn said. “It was an emotional night and the girls really stepped up.”

Along with Dorfmeyer and Myers, the Tritons also honored Shae Johnson, Brodie Whyte, Danielle Coronado, Taylor Drake, Emily Jensen, Nicole Steinmetz, Katie Hoffman, Tessa Otzel and Ashley Turcotte.

“These girls have so many different personalities, but they have really grasped the team concept,” Horn said. “That is what has made them such a fun group to coach. They all can do their own thing (away from volleyball), but once they step on the court for practices or matches, they come together as one.

“They’ve really given us everything we’ve asked of them over these last two years.”

Turcotte had six kills and a block, while Gabby Sullivan added six kills. Katie Hoffman had two kills and a pair of aces on the night.

Leading the way for the Lakers (15-17, 3-4) were RaeAhna Harmon and Kali Mumm, who each had eight kills. Former Southeast Valley prep Baylee Moore had an ace.

Iowa Central returns to action this Friday and Saturday when they host the Triton Invitational.

“There are going to be some very good teams here, plus, many of the parents will be here through the weekend and that is great for the kids,” Horn said. “We just have to remember to focus on continuing to improve as we approach regionals.”

After this weekend, Iowa Central travels to Ellsworth to conclude the regular season. They begin regional play on Wednesday, Nov. 2.