Cross County Cougars

Senior Edie Peterson (13) and junior Cortina Donnelly (12) combine on the block against David City last Tuesday. PCN photo by Ken Kush.

Senior Edie Peterson (13) and junior Cortina Donnelly (12) combine on the block against David City last Tuesday. PCN photo by Ken Kush.

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Cougars fall to David City and Central Valley

Craig Pinley
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
STROMSBURG – The initial portion of the 2025 volleyball season has been filled with quality opponents and Cross County (105) ran into two more of them last week, losing in three sets to visiting David City last Tuesday and then dropping a four-set match at Central Valley on Thursday.
Cross County senior Sydney Hengelfelt is on the attack against the Osceola block set up by Alexis Burritt and Graci Conkling. PCN photo by Beth Sparrow.

Cross County senior Sydney Hengelfelt is on the attack against the Osceola block set up by Alexis Burritt and Graci Conkling. PCN photo by Beth Sparrow.

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COUGARS 5-1 WEEK INCLUDES RUNNER UP FINISH AT HOME TOURNAMENT

Craig Pinley
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
STROMSBURG – Both Cross County and Osceola will play in the same Class D-1 volleyball subdistrict in October and if last Tuesday’s match is an indicator, the two Polk County teams will be fun to watch come playoff time.
Each week during the school year, the Polk County News will select a male and female Athlete of the Week.

Each week during the school year, the Polk County News will select a male and female Athlete of the Week.

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PCN Athletes of the Week for Sept. 18, 2025

News Staff
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Each week during the school year, the Polk County News will select a male and female Athlete of the Week. Each week during the school year, the Polk County News will select a male and female Athlete of the Week.
Cross County senior Sydney Hengelfelt (22) powers the attack through the Central City Bison block in Thursday’s win over the Bison. In two games last week, Hengelfelt had 32 kills. PCN photo by Ken Kush.

Cross County senior Sydney Hengelfelt (22) powers the attack through the Central City Bison block in Thursday’s win over the Bison. In two games last week, Hengelfelt had 32 kills. PCN photo by Ken Kush.

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COUGARS REBOUND WITH TWO WINS

Craig Pinley
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
STROMSBURG – After suffering two losses the previous week, Cross County faced two home contests against strong opponents, and some might’ve wondered how the team would respond to a little adversity.
Above-Cross County’s Jed Berggren (11) pursues the Gibbon ball carrier in Friday night’s game on the road in Gibbon. Berggren was second on the team with 10 tackles in the win. PCN photo by Beth Sparrow

Above-Cross County’s Jed Berggren (11) pursues the Gibbon ball carrier in Friday night’s game on the road in Gibbon. Berggren was second on the team with 10 tackles in the win. PCN photo by Beth Sparrow

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Another Birthday Win for the Cougars

Beth Sparrow
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
GIBBON – Last week the Cougars got a win, and it was senior Cannen Mooney’s birthday. This past Friday was senior quarterback Sawyer Anderson’s birthday and again they get a win, 46-7.
Each week during the school year, the Polk County News will select a male and female Athlete of the Week.

Each week during the school year, the Polk County News will select a male and female Athlete of the Week.

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PCN Athletes of the Week for Sept. 4, 2025

News Staff
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
Each week during the school year, the Polk County News will select a male and female Athlete of the Week. Athletes of the Week are brought to you by these fine sponsors.
Cross County junior Tyion Francis (4) uses a stiff arm to keep the Battle Creek defender away in Friday nights game with Battle Creek won by the Cougars 35-14. PCN photo by Travis Lane.

Cross County junior Tyion Francis (4) uses a stiff arm to keep the Battle Creek defender away in Friday nights game with Battle Creek won by the Cougars 35-14. PCN photo by Travis Lane.

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Cougars Upset State Rated Battle Creek

Ken Kush
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
STROMSBURG-The Cross County Cougars took a huge step in the right direction Friday night as they took down a traditional giant in Class C-2 football, the Battle Creek Braves 35-14 in their season opener.
Top: Cross County sophomore Saphira Osentowski (17) and senior Sydney Hengelfelt (22) set up the block in last Thursday night’s game at Fullerton won in three sets by the Cougars.

Top: Cross County sophomore Saphira Osentowski (17) and senior Sydney Hengelfelt (22) set up the block in last Thursday night’s game at Fullerton won in three sets by the Cougars.

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Cougar Hitters Shine in opener

Rick Holtz
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
FULLERTON — Cross County opened the 2025 volleyball season with a statement win over Fullerton.The Cougars (1-0) went on the attack from the opening serve, cruising to a 25-10, 25-15, 25-9 sweep. Cross County coach Emmie Finkral liked what she saw from her hitters.
Polk County senior catcher Mady Berggren picks up the ground ball in front of home plate ands fires on to first base. In two games this week Berggren was 5 for 6 with two home runs, a triple and six RBI’s. PCN photo by Ken Kush.

Polk County senior catcher Mady Berggren picks up the ground ball in front of home plate ands fires on to first base. In two games this week Berggren was 5 for 6 with two home runs, a triple and six RBI’s. PCN photo by Ken Kush.

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POLK COUNTY DROPS PAIR OF HOME GAMES, FALLS TO 1-5

Ken Kush
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
POLK-It was a tale of two completely different games, but in the end the result was the same in both for the Polk County Slammers.
Polk County Slammers freshman Chloe Schott beats the throw to first base as the HWY 91 first baseman bobbles the throw. Schott went 3 for 4 with three RBI in her varsity debut. PCN photo by Beth Sparrow.

Polk County Slammers freshman Chloe Schott beats the throw to first base as the HWY 91 first baseman bobbles the throw. Schott went 3 for 4 with three RBI in her varsity debut. PCN photo by Beth Sparrow.

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ROUGH START FOR POLK COUNTY SLAMMERS

Ken Kush
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
STROMSBURG-There was no lack of offense as the Polk County Slammers hosted HWY 91 on Thursday night in both team’s season openers.The Cyclones who are based out of Leigh scored in every inning including crooked numbers in five of the seven frames on their way to the 18-12 win.