Comets No. 4 in preseason volleyball rankings

CHARLES CITY — The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union released the 2016 Iowa High School Preseason rankings on Monday.

In Class 4A, the Charles City Comets are ranked fourth behind 2015 state semifinalist Bishop Heelan (1), Pella (2) and Marion (3).

Last season, the Comets were 30-11 and advanced to the regional final against Waverly-Shell Rock, where they were eliminated by the Go-Hawks.

Waverly-Shell Rock, which was 42-10 last season, is ranked eighth in Class 4A.

State runner-up Harlan is ranked sixth. Last year’s Class 4A state champion, West Delaware, is not listed in the Top 15.

The Comets, who last advanced to the state finals in 2014 and were Class 4A state champions in 2012 after losing only once in 48 matches, are due to “break in” the “Competition Gym 1” with a season home-opener Sept. 6 against Northeast Iowa Conference rival Decorah. Among the amenities of the recently constructed gym within the new high school will be a video scoreboard.

Other No. 1-ranked volleyball teams include Janesville (Class 1A), Western Christian (2A), Dike-New Hartford (3A) and Johnston (5A).

Before hosting Decorah, the Comets will participate at an invitational this Saturday hosted by 2015 Class 5A champions Arkeny Centennial, which is ranked second in 5A.