Pirates Punch Ticket to State With Five-set Regional Final

By Dani McCulley and Siri Olsen

The Hudson Pirates punched their ticket to the Class 2A state volleyball tournament for the first time since 2019 with a thrilling five-set victory over Woodward-Granger on Wednesday, Oct. 28, at Marshalltown High School.

After receiving a first-round bye in regional play, the Pirates advanced through the postseason to face Woodward-Granger in the Region 7 championship match, with a trip to state on the line.

The match proved to be a battle from start to finish. Woodward-Granger took the opening set 25-17, but Hudson responded with a hard-fought 28-26 victory in the second set to even the match at 1-1.

The Pirates carried that momentum into the third set, edging Woodward-Granger 25-23 to take a 2-1 lead. Woodward-Granger answered with a narrow 26-24 victory in the fourth, forcing a fifth and deciding set.

With the regional championship on the line, Hudson secured a 15-10 victory in the final set. Senior Siri Olsen delivered the finishing touch, serving an ace to seal the win and send the Pirates to state.

The Pirates’ effort was supported by strong performances across the lineup. Freshman Brinn Olsen recorded 34 assists, while senior Siri Olsen led the team with 22 digs. Freshman Briar Bowers contributed six blocks.

The victory earned Hudson the No. 8 seed in the Class 2A state tournament, where the Pirates faced top-seeded Hinton on Tuesday, Nov. 3, at Xtream Arena in Coralville.