Pirates Shock Ranked Rivals with Back-to-Back Upsets

By Danielle McCulley  

It was a week to remember for Hudson volleyball. The Pirates not only earned two  major conference upsets over ranked opponents but did it while rallying the community behind  a cause that hit close to home.  

On Sept. 23, Hudson traveled to Parkersburg and stunned Class 2A No. 9 Aplington Parkersburg in a five-set battle. After dropping two of the first three sets, the Pirates came from  behind to claim the final two, 25–23 and 15–11, sealing one of their biggest wins of the season.  

Junior setter Taylor Davis finished with 38 assists, keeping Hudson’s offense in rhythm.  Freshman Paige Davis led the attack with a 13.5% hitting percentage and 3.8 points per set,  while senior Maggie Haskovec added five blocks at the net. Junior Siri Olsen tallied 25 digs,  and senior Callie Stickfort helped swing momentum from the service line with six aces.  

The victory pushed Hudson into the state rankings for the first time this season at No.  14.  

Just six days later, the Pirates proved it was no fluke. On Sept. 29, Hudson hosted Ace  Out ALS Night, partnering with the Hudson Athletic Boosters and the athletic department to  raise awareness and funds for ALS research.  

The event included a bake sale, free admission for youth who attended the summer  volleyball camp, and a special recognition for the Wolfe family. Tim Wolfe, father of junior  Kaelyn Wolfe and freshman Maleah Wolfe, is currently battling ALS. Fans and players filled the  gym wearing red, white and blue or “Ace Out ALS” shirts in support.  

Hudson carried that energy straight into its matchup against No. 11 Jesup, earning  another upset win in three sets, 23–25, 25–20, 15–13.  

Taylor Davis reached a major milestone during the match, recording her 1,500th career  assist, becoming only the third player in Hudson volleyball history to achieve that mark. She  finished the set with 29 assists, while Paige Davis added 14 digs, three blocks, and seven  service aces in an all-around effort.  

The Pirates raised more than $1,000 for ALS awareness, climbed to No. 13 in the Class  2A rankings—their highest since 2020—and improved their season record to 21–7.