PHOTO PROVIDED - The Marshalltown High School volleyball team poses with its Oskaloosa Tournament championship plaque after going 5-0 on Saturday to win its first weekend title this season. The Bobcats defeated Class 4A No. 12 Gilbert in the finals, 25-23, 14-25, 15-9.

OSKALOOSA — The Marshalltown volleyball team bagged five wins on its way to the Oskaloosa Tournament title on Saturday, knocking off a pair of ranked teams on its way to the championship.

The Bobcats (14-11) finished 3-0 in pool play by beating North Polk (25-23, 17-21, 15-12), Fairfield (21-7, 21-8) and Class 4A No. 10 Oskaloosa (21-9, 21-17) to advance to the final four.

In the semifinals, Marshalltown mowed down Ottumwa 25-4, 25-21, before beating 4A No. 14 Gilbert in three sets, 25-23, 14-25, 15-9.

“We had probably one of the best team efforts all season,” said MHS head coach Chris Brees. “Our defense really stepped it up and kept us in the day. Our service game was very strong and we kept teams out of system all day. Britney [Sichra] came through with four straight aces in third set in the finals to fuel the team.”

The Bobcats were led by senior Erica Johnson’s 43 kills and 51 digs on the day. Sophomore middle hitter Autumn Finch finished with 32 kills and a team-high seven blocks, while Gabby Himes chipped in 16 kills and Tasia Pohle 11.

“Erica has another strong day for us on every side of the ball,” Brees said. “She is just one of those silent players that continually gets the job done day in and out.”

MHS senior setter Madi Finch ended with a total of 97 assists. Sichra racked up a total of 10 service aces, including five in the semifinals against Ottumwa.

“I was really proud of how we played today and showed a lot of pride against some really good opponents,” Brees added. “It’s something we knew this team could do all year.”