Hawkeye-10 play continued on Thursday night, as the Trojans took on the Cyclones. This was Atlantic’s first home conference match, and third overall. 

Harlan carried a record of 7-8 as they rolled up in Atlantic. This included conference wins over Denison-Schleswig and Shenandoah. In both wins, the Cyclones dropped one set en route to a victory. 

The Trojans were coming off a heartbreaker from two nights prior, when Atlantic nearly won their first conference game in 11 years. However, Clarinda outlasted Atlantic in a five-set match, and the conference drought continued on. 

In the first set, Atlantic started slow. With the built-up momentum on their side, the opposition won the first set, 25-13. Much of the same occurred in the second. Lackluster serving by the Trojans resulted in an even more lopsided score, 25-11. 

Atlantic turned it on at the beginning of the third set. A strong defense led the way, making it hard for the Cyclones to get the ball to the floor. As their passing game bettered, Atlantic hung in the match by winning the third set, 25-19. 

After pushing the game to a fourth period, tough serving from Harlan made it difficult for Atlantic to set up an offense. The hopes of Thursday night being the night to end the conference skid were dashed as Harlan closed out the win, 25-11. 

Defense was a huge factor in Atlantic gaining momentum and putting up points. Through four sets, the Trojans had 60 digs. Every girl who made it onto the floor contributed at least one dig on the stat sheet. Junior libero Mia Trotter led the way with 14. Sophomore Malena Woodward played her first varsity match on Thursday night, where she snagged two digs.

Next up for Atlantic in conference play is a road game against St. Albert on Thursday, Sept. 26. The Saintes are currently ranked fifth in class 1A.