North Cedar ready for regional volleyball final

CLARENCE - For the last few years, North Cedar has been building up its volleyball program under head coach Traci Smith.

Last year, the Knights made it to the regional semifinals before losing to West Branch. At the start of this year, the team was determined to make it even further.

Led by seniors Rylie Meier, Kaylee Entwisle, Kate Pruess, Madison Hawtrey and Becca Ahrendsen, North Cedar will compete in the regional finals on Wednesday Center Point-Urbana against Wapsie Valley.

The Knights have high hopes.

Smith has always been a big believer in not only team bonding, but positivity on and off the court. The girls have team dinners at Smith's house, where they make crafts for their gym lockers. The entire locker room is full of quotes and encouragements done entirely by the team.

'We already have a close-knit group of girls,” Pruess said. 'we play games and goof around outside the gym the night before our games.”

Parents and students support the Knights with themes for the games and a full house.

'We started off the year great by beating a ranked 4A team,” Smith said.

Passionate, hardworking players make up the team. With every game won, the girls gain confidence and excitement. This is North Cedar's year and every girl is going to give all they have.

North Cedar volleyball won't go down without a fight.