GRINNELL – The Ballard varsity volleyball team showed grit and promise at the Grinnell Tournament on Saturday, finishing 2-2 and advancing to the gold bracket.

In pool play, the Bombers battled Iowa City West in a tight three-set match before falling 21-19, 20-22, 15-13.  Ballard bounced back quickly, sweeping West Liberty (21-12, 21-13) and rolling past South Tama (21-6, 21-7) to secure a spot in the championship bracket.

The Bombers' run came to an end in a gold bracket rematch with Iowa City West, where the Trojans prevailed 21-8, 21-17.

With the 2-2 showing, Ballard moves to 3-4 on the season.

Next up, the Bombers open Raccoon River Conference play on Tuesday, September 2, when they travel to Carlisle for a 5:30 PM start.