Resurgent Central Lyon in the semis again

CEDAR RAPIDS – At one time, Central Lyon wasn't a program you traditionally associated with significant volleyball success. But under fourth-year Coach Jamie Schar, the Lions are back in the Class 1A volleyball state semifinals for the second-straight season.

Senior Sarah Halse led the way with 14 kills, nine digs and seven total blocks as No. 2 Central Lyon defeated seventh-ranked Bellevue Marquette, 25-13, 25-12, 28-30, 25-23, in a 1A quarterfinal Wednesday at the U.S. Cellular Center.

'We returned a lot of players and a lot of experience,” Schar said. 'Have quite a few younger girls that really stepped up. That was a team win tonight. Marquette definitely came ready to play.”

Central Lyon (37-3) had its way with Marquette over the first two games, but as prideful teams often do in the state tournament, the Mohawks made a charge in Game 3. Trailing 20-15, Bellevue Marquette fought off one match point after another to force Game 4, 30-28.

'To dig out of the way we played those first two games,” Bellevue Marquette Coach Andy Bishop said. 'It was remarkable. I can't say how proud I am of them to come back like that.”

Central Lyon started fast in Game 4, leading 5-2 before Bellevue Marquette found new life. A pair of Halse kills helped Central Lyon lead, 17-13. The Desperately trying to force a fifth game, the Mohawks managed to tie it at 23-23 before a service error and center-line violation ended it.

'We had a couple of hitters really pick it up,” Halse said. 'We just kept swinging.”

Central Lyon gets a rematch with defending 1A state champion Janesville (25-11) Thursday at 6 p.m. The Lions were ousted by the Wildcats in last year's semifinal.

'Last year, we knew how good of a team they were,” Halse said. 'I think they intimidated us. We had watched them the day before. We have gained a lot of confidence and we know we can play with them.”

Blake Banowetz led Bellevue Marquette (32-4) with 12 kills, while Marissa Schroeder added 10.