Class 4A: Harlan shows what its made of in five-set semifinal win

CEDAR RAPIDS – On Tuesday, the Harlan volleyball team proved it was ready for the state tournament in a four-set win over LeMars.

On Thursday, the Cyclones proved they were ready to make a run at winning the state tournament by outlasting defending Class 4A champion Charles City, 17-25, 28-26, 18-25, 25-20, 15-12.

'It is a big deal, I'm not going to lie,' said Harlan Coach Angie Spangenberg. 'I think (the girls) have had things – not just in volleyball, but in basketball; they compete year-round in different things – I think all those experiences add up to kids who can handle pressure and be mentally tough.

'That's volleyball. You've got to stay in the moment, because if you don't, it's going to be over quick.'

That mantra for the Cyclones – stay in the moment – rang especially true in the decisive fifth set.

After what looked like a kill would've put them up 7-5, the officials called the point back due to an inadvertent whistle. On the replay point, Charles City scored, swinging the score two points and tying it at 6-6.

In the huddle after that point, junior hitter Jess Schaben said the girls came together and told each other to forget what had just happened. She and her teammates didn't seem fazed at all.

'With the emotions as high as they were, we got a little frustrated – obviously we wanted the call to go the other way – but we just (had) to put it out of our heads and focus on the next point,' said junior setter Kenzie Swanson. 'It's never easy, but Coach Spangenberg has really prepared us. Every drill we do in practice is pushing through, overcoming like that. We were really well-prepared for those kinds of situations.'

Spangenberg once again circled back to that Cyclone mantra when asked about that series of events.For the veteran head coach, the approach was pretty simple: it's not going to change, so why worry?

'I would say that's an analogy with life. How many times in life do things just not go your way?' Spangenberg said. 'You can sit around and feel bad about or you can battle. And we went on, next point, and tried to keep competing.'

Perhaps the biggest reason the Cyclones were able to prove their mettle both mentally and physically was the 6-foot-4 Schaben, who ran her tournament kill total up to 64 with 31 against the Comets.

Schaben was too modest following the win to (rightfully) brag about her performance – she did concede it 'feels pretty good' to play at such a high level – and instead complemented her passers and setters, who continually provided her with clean chances.

And for those who haven't seen her prior to the state tournament, Spangenberg said this is nothing new.

'Jess' performance today has been nothing less than what she's done all year long,' Spangenberg said. 'People notice the big hits, the big booming hits in the front row – and you do, you're drawn to it – but her back row is every bit as good as her front row.

'(She) didn't surprise me at all.'

Harlan will face Solon for the Class 4A championship on Friday at noon.