West Monona Falls in Class 1A State Quarterfinals

The eighth-seeded Wildcats lost to top-seeded Ankeny Christian in straight sets at the Class 1A state tournament in Coralville.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Volleyball

Expressive sports illustration of a volleyball player spiking above the net, rendered in bold red, white, navy, and gold brushwork on a bright court. — West Monona fell to top-seeded Ankeny Christian 16-25, 19-25, 19-25 in the Class 1A state quarterfinals in Coralville on Tuesday. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

West Monona volleyball lost to Ankeny Christian 16-25, 19-25, 19-25 in the Class 1A state quarterfinals on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at Xtream Arena in Coralville, Iowa. The loss ended the team's run in its first state tournament appearance in school history.

Why it matters

The match closed a season in which West Monona made its first regional final and first state tournament trip in program history. For Iowa's small-school volleyball community, the result underscores how a lower-seeded program can reach the state stage while still falling to the tournament's top teams.

Georgia Jones led West Monona with nine kills and 10 digs, while McKenna Baker recorded 16 assists, five kills, two aces and two blocks. Ankeny Christian's team hitting efficiency of .301 outpaced West Monona's .215 across the match.

The players

McKenna Baker

McKenna Baker became the only player in West Monona history to surpass 500 career assists and 500 career digs.

Georgia Jones

Georgia Jones led West Monona in kills and digs in the state quarterfinal loss.

The details

West Monona, the eighth seed, was beaten by top-seeded Ankeny Christian in three sets. The first two sets featured 14 ties and eight lead changes before Ankeny Christian pulled away.

Tuesday, November 3, 2026: West Monona lost to Ankeny Christian in the Class 1A state quarterfinals.

Season Trajectory

West Monona's first regional final and state appearance marked a milestone for a program that had not previously reached this stage. The quarterfinal loss places the team among the final eight Class 1A squads for the 2026 season.

The loss ends West Monona's 2026 season, which means the program's postseason fate is settled for this year. Fans tracking the team's statistical leaders can note McKenna Baker's career milestones as the program's benchmark for future players.

The takeaway

West Monona's first state appearance shows that consistent program development can carry a small-school team deep into the postseason even when a top seed proves too strong. Readers following Iowa high school volleyball can track how emerging programs build toward the state stage.