January 06, 2025

Sadie Cox breaks Lenox records in POI volleyball win

By CHEYENNE ROCHE
Sadie Cox, a Lenox junior, now holds the school records for season kills (378), career kills (892), career aces (147) and career digs (864). The Tigers won the Pride of Iowa Championship Tuesday over Southwest Valley.

Sadie Cox, a Lenox junior, now holds the school records for season kills (378), career kills (892), career aces (147) and career digs (864). The Tigers won the Pride of Iowa Championship Tuesday over Southwest Valley. (Contributed photo by Meg Barker)

AFTON — The Lenox Tigers took home a Pride of Iowa championship title Tuesday in Afton after sweeping Southwest Valley 3-0 in the finals.

The Timberwolves swept Mount Ayr while Lenox swept Southeast Warren in the semi-finals.

Lenox star Sadie Cox had 26 kills on the night, giving her 378 for the season, breaking Lindsay Brown Wetzel’s record of 372, set in 1997.

She broke TJ Stoaks’ career record of 737 (set from 2017-2020) on Sept. 19 versus Southwest Valley. Cox holds the title with 892 career kills with still a year left in high school.

Her six ace serves put her career total at 147, breaking Stoaks’ record of 142.

Her 18 digs Tuesday brought her career total to 864, breaking Stoaks’ 850 record.

For Southwest Valley, Mackenzie Fast had a team high 8 kills.

“Fast had no fear and was smart and past her years of experience on the court tonight,” Timberwolves coach Lisa Sparks said. “Southwest Valley has finished in the top 4 in the conference tournament every year for nine years now. These girls are keeping that tradition alive and leaving their mark on our program.”

Charlee Larsen met a milestone as she earned her 500th kill in the semi-finals against Mount Ayr.

“I am proud of the hard work she has put into her game and the leadership she brings to this team,” Sparks said.

The Tigers won the series 25-18, 25-21 and 25-20 in a tight battle.

Delaney Funk and Zoey Reed had 15 and 19 assists respectively to lead Lenox.

Senior Gabby Robles posted 13 kills against the Timberwolves.

Katey Lillie led Southwest Valley with 6 kills in the championship match while teammate Morgan Schuler had 12 assists.

The Tigers play in Mount Ayr Monday in regional play while the Timberwolves host Nodaway Valley Wednesday.

Cheyenne Roche

CHEYENNE ROCHE

Originally from Wisconsin, Cheyenne has a journalism and political science degree from UW-Eau Claire and a passion for reading and learning. She lives in Creston with her husband and their two little dogs.