The Fairfield Trojans volleyball team capped off their regular season with a strong performance at home, sweeping Albia 3-0 on Senior Night, Thursday evening, October 16th, 2025. The Trojans won by scores of 25-15, 25-21, and 25-4, closing out the regular season on a high note.
Senior Night Dominance
The Trojans controlled the court throughout the match, particularly in the third set. In the opener, Fairfield jumped out to a 15-9 lead and finished strong to take it 25-15. In the second set, after falling behind briefly, the Trojans rallied to lead 17-13 and eventually closed it out 25-21. In the final set, Fairfield dominated from start to finish, racing to an 11-4 lead before sealing the sweep 25-4.
Offensively, Fairfield was efficient, committing just eight hitting errors and finishing with a .259 kill efficiency. Senior setter Faith Jones led the attack with 26 assists. Natalie Steele paced the team with eight kills, followed by Leah Helmick with seven and senior Elyse Setterstrom with five. Ireland Cranston contributed three kills, while Jaden Haynes, Bella Buckley, and senior Maddy Martin each added two.
Defensively, the Trojans’ back row was anchored by their seniors. Isabel McCready recorded 12 digs, supported by Mallory Wigle with seven and Iris Lane with six.
Fairfield’s service game was equally dominant, totaling 16 team aces with an 84.3% serving efficiency. Jones led with six aces, Lane followed with four, and Lexi Mast added three. Buckley, Wigle, and Steele each contributed one ace.
The evening honored Fairfield’s seven seniors: Maddy Martin, Faith Jones, Iris Lane, Mallory Wigle, Elyse Setterstrom, Isabel McCready, and Emmelia Miller.
Head Coach Vicki Rebling reflected on the special night and her seniors’ impact, saying:
“It was a great night for the seven seniors and the team. We’ve had many positives this season, accomplishing more than 20 wins being one of them. This team is special in their own way. The seniors have been leaders on and off the court and positive influences within our volleyball program. We expressed gratitude for what they have meant to our program over their career. Elyse, Emmelia, Faith, Iris, Isabel, Maddy, and Mallory have brought energy, passion, laughter, and faith into their play. It was great for them to have tonight on our home court one last time. We aren’t ready to be done yet though, so we will refocus quickly on the postseason now.”
Conference Tournament Summary
Earlier in the week, the Trojans competed in the Southeast Conference Tournament in Keokuk, finishing third overall behind champion Burlington and runner-up Washington.
On day two of the tournament, Fairfield defeated Fort Madison 2-1 (25-20, 21-25, 15-12) before falling to Washington (20-25, 21-25). For the second day, Faith Jones tallied 46 assists and 10 kills, with Leah Helmick adding 19 kills, Natalie Steele 16, and Elyse Setterstrom eight. Isabel McCready recorded 21 digs, and Jaden Haynes led at the net with five blocks.
Coach Rebling praised her team’s effort, saying:
“I’m happy with the effort of the team on the second night of the tournament. They were always in each game and kept fighting for their points. They handled the situation well, knowing the results of the first match of the night between Burlington and Washington.”
The Road Ahead
Fairfield wraps up the regular season with a 22-12 record and will travel to West Liberty on Tuesday, October 21st, for the Class 3A Region 7 quarterfinals.
