CHARLES CITY | Charles City volleyball hasn't been short on star power in recent years.

This season, first-year head coach Donna Forsyth is finding new ways to expand her arsenal of weapons. Iowa State commit Hali Hillegas has become a go-to hitter in addition to working as a setter within a system change to a two-setter, 6-2 rotation.

Thursday night in Charles City, Hillegas recorded 18 kills on .412 hitting to go with 21 assists and four aces as Class 4A's No. 4-rated Comets prevailed in four sets over Northeast Iowa Conference rival Waverly-Shell Rock, 25-13, 25-23, 27-29, 25-18.

First-year Charles City setter Meagan Miller, a player Forsyth praised for her good hands, also made a difference across the board as she tallied a triple-double of 13 kills, 20 assists and 12 digs. Hillegas worked numerous quick sets to middle Jamie Sindlinger, who added 13 kills and 6.5 blocks.

"I think switching to a 6-2, it's really helped us in a good way," Hillegas said. "Everyone is still figuring out where to go and where not to go, but I think it's definitely helped us positively.

"Throughout club season, I hit and I set. So I think just bringing it back to school ball is an easier transition for me, and I think my team counts on me more."

The win pulled Charles City (21-3) one step closer to securing a Northeast Iowa Conference regular season title that has been traded back-and-forth with Waverly-Shell Rock throughout the years. The Comets have now won seven of their last eight matches over Waverly-Shell Rock, including two victories in the state tournament.

"Before, they always beat us and beat us and now finally everything is turning around," Hillegas said, addressing her program's recent run of success. "I think playing in bigger tournaments has helped us here a lot, knowing that we can actually do it no matter what kind of crowd."

Forsyth was pleased with the end result, but disappointed with the manner in which Charles City got to the finish line. The Comets cruised through the first set as Hillegas pounded seven kills to the ground, but struggled to close out the final three frames.

Waverly-Shell Rock (16-15) rallied from down 8-1 to tie set two at 23 before a pair of miscues gave the frame to the Comets.

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