The Iowa girls high school soccer season is winding down, which means it’s almost time to crown a state champion in all three of the state’s classes.

On Thursday, the field for the state tournament was set with 24 total teams punching their ticket to Des Moines for the state tournament. But by the end of next week, only three will remain, having earned the title of state champions.

The tournament kicks off on Tuesday, May 28, in Des Moines. The entire tournament, which wraps up on Saturday, June 1, will be held at the Crownie Sports Complex.

More: Iowa high school boys soccer state tournament 2024: See brackets for all 4 classes

Class 3A

Tuesday, May 28-state quarterfinals

• 3 p.m. -No. 1 Waukee Northwest vs. No. 8 Ankeny Centennial
• 3:15 p.m. – No. 4 Linn-Mar vs. No. 5 West Des Moines Valley
• 3:30 p.m.- No. 2 Pleasant Valley vs. No. 7 Bettendorf
• 3:45 p.m.- No. 3 Ankeny vs. No. 6 Waukee

Thursday, May 30-state semifinals

• 3 p.m. TBD vs. TBD
• 3:15 p.m. TBD vs, TBD

Saturday, June 1- state championship game

Class 2A

Tuesday, May 28-state quarterfinals

• 12:30 p.m. -No. 1 North Polk vs. No. 8 Lewis Central
• 12:45 p.m. – No. 4 Pella vs. No. 5 Iowa City Liberty
• 1 p.m.- No. 2 Waverly Shell-Rock vs. No. 7 North Scott
• 1:15 p.m.- No. 3 Dallas Center-Grimes vs. No. 6 Cedar Rapids Xavier

Thursday, May 30-state semifinals

• 12:30 p.m. TBD vs. TBD
• 12:45 p.m. TBD vs, TBD

Saturday, June 1- state championship game

Class 1A

Tuesday, May 28-state quarterfinals

• 10 a.m. -No. 1 Davenport Assumption vs. No. 8 Dike-New Hartford
• 10:15 a.m. – No. 4 Nevada vs. No. 5 Hudson
• 10:30 a.m.- No. 2 Denver vs. No. 7 Council Bluffs St. Albert
• 10:45 a.m.- No. 3 Bishop Heelan vs. No. 6 Treynor

Thursday, May 30-state semifinals

• 10 a.m. TBD vs. TBD
• 10:15 a.m. TBD vs, TBD

Saturday, June 1- state championship game

Drought conditions in Iowa have improved to their least severe in about two years thanks to abundant rainfall in recent weeks, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

In a Thursday report, all “severe” drought in the northeast part of the state was downgraded to “moderate,” the lowest drought classification.

The last time there was no severe drought in Iowa was March 2022.

About a third of the state is still at least abnormally dry, and about 21% has moderate drought. The latest Drought Monitor report did not take into consideration all of the precipitation from severe weather that swept the state on Tuesday.

Heavy rain leads to wastewater bypasses

About 40 cities reported wastewater bypasses from their collection systems that day, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

“The city received 5 inches of rain and was forced to bypass from manholes,” a report about Newton in central Iowa said.

Old or poorly maintained sewer pipes — along with antiquated systems that purposefully carry wastewater and stormwater together — can be inundated by heavy rain.

Some cities deliberately pumped wastewater out of their systems to avoid sewer backups into basements, DNR records show. In others, the wastewater overflowed from their treatment systems.

Those bypasses can result in untreated or partially treated wastewater going into the state’s streams. On Wednesday, the DNR warned people to avoid floodwater that could be contaminated.

The department said it has received more than 130 reports of bypasses since the start of April.

The statewide average precipitation was 4.16 inches that month, which is about a half inch more than normal. Average rainfall so far in May totals more than 6 inches, according to Iowa State University data.

When you see that the flags are half-staff today, use that as a reminder to remain focused while driving and going the speed limit, especially in construction zones.

Why are the flags at half-staff in Iowa?

Gov. Kim Reynolds ordered flags to remain at half-staff to honor an employee of the Iowa Department of Transportation who was killed on the job.

“This senseless tragedy never should have happened,” Reynolds said in a news release. “I urge all drivers to be alert when approaching any work area at any time. The workers on our interstates and roadways deserve our full attention and respect. Please be vigilant and reduce your speed whenever you’re near work areas to keep everyone safe on Iowa’s roads.”  

Matthew Dickerson, a father and husband, died on May 16 while working for the DOT on Interstate 80 near Council Bluffs.

 “We honor the memory of Matthew Dickerson and his service to the state of Iowa as he is laid to rest this week,” Reynolds said. “Kevin and I pray for his wife, daughters, parents, and extended family during this difficult time.”

Which flags should fly half-staff in Iowa?

Flags will be at half-staff on the State Capitol Building and on flag displays in the Capitol Complex, according to the governor’s announcement. Flags will also be at half-staff on all public buildings, grounds and facilities throughout the state. 

While individuals, businesses or local governments are not mandated to lower flags, the governor encourages them to do so.

What’s the difference between half-mast and half-staff?

Half-mast is used when a flag is flown from a flagpole, typically referring to a ship mast or similar structures, according to Federal Flags. Half-mast means the flag is flown two-thirds up between the top and bottom of the flagstaff.

Half-staff is the term used for flags on land, particularly in the United States. Half-staff describes a flag that is raised halfway, between the top and bottom of the flagpole.

When the American flag is flown at half-staff, it conveys a message of respect and mourning. Federal Flags says this custom is most often observed following the death of a government official, military personnel or in response to a national tragedy.

Des Moines Register reporter Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez contributed to this report.

Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.