“Evacuate, Evacuate, a fire has been detected in the building.”
The first week of school brought plenty of excitement, both on and off the court. From scheduled fire drills to unexpected alarms and big wins, it was a week to remember.
On August 26, 2025, the Dowling Catholic girls volleyball team, ranked 5th in 5A, faced off against Norwalk, the 5th-ranked team in 4A. Norwalk won the first set 25-20, but the Maroons challenged back to win the next three sets to secure a victory in their season opener, that win was sophomore Annabell Niggemeyer’s favorite memory.
Anticipation was high, with five out of six Dowling Catholic teams playing every gameday until the postseason. With the first round of games scheduled to start at 4:45pm, with another round at 6:15, leading up to the highly anticipated varsity match at 7:30. Just before the games began, an unexpected twist: at 4:43, the fire alarm sounded. Everyone was unsure of what to do, but we quickly filled out of the gym. The Dowling team’s were just assuming it was just another drill, as the alarm system had malfunctioned over the summer a few times. Norwalk’s teams gathered outside, while Dowling Catholic athletes spent time with teammates or chatted with swimmers whose practice was also interrupted. Niggemeyer, was one of the Dowling athletes, who spent time with her swim friends and searching for information about what was happening.
Niggemeyer was one of many hoping for the games to be postponed to a different day due to the large disruption. The schedule was adjusted, with the first four games shortened to 21 points instead of the usual 25. Despite the disruption, the night ended on a high note as the varsity team claimed their first win of the season under the bright lights, and a little extra fire in the air.
Their next game is Tuesday September 23, 2025 at 7:30 at Johnston High School followed by a game at Omaha Skutt Catholic. The next home game is September 30 at 7:30 vs Ankeny and it is Dowling Catholic Volleyball Club night, so come show support to the girls and the DCVC players.
