Iowa Valley, Turkey Valley chase history

By Jeff Linder, The Gazette

For the volleyball teams at Turkey Valley and Iowa Valley, an upset Wednesday equals history.

Class 1A and Class 2A regional finals are Wednesday, with winners advancing to the state tournament next week at the U.S. Cellular Center. Turkey Valley has never been there. Nor has Iowa Valley.

Both will be underdogs - 10th-ranked Turkey Valley (27-9) faces No. 4 Tripoli (25-13) at New Hampton while No. 15 Iowa Valley (24-7) tangles with No. 5 New London (34-7) at Lone Tree.

In Class 2A, No. 8 West Branch (33-5) meets No. 10 Durant (28-6) at Wilton. All matches start at 7 p.m.

West Branch made its first state trip in 2012, then fell in a five-set regional final last year to Iowa City Regina.

WEDNESDAY'S REGIONAL-FINAL VOLLEYBALL MATCHES

CLASS 2A REGION 8: No. 8 WEST BRANCH (33-5) vs. No. 10 DURANT (28-6)

Time and place: 7 p.m., at Wilton

Overview: These River Valley Conference rivals meet for the third time this season. West Branch swept the first two encounters - 3-0 in a divisional match and 2-0 in the semifinals of the RVC tournament. Both won their regional-quarterfinal matches in three games, their regional-semifinal tests in four. The Bears are bidding for their second state trip in three years behind senior Madison Russell (3.22 kills per set, .327 kill efficiency) and a troop of talented underclassmen. Durant's last state appearance was in 2007. Junior Shannon Telsrow averages 3.05 kills per set for the Wildcats.

CLASS 1A REGION 5: No. 10 TURKEY VALLEY (27-9) vs. No. 4 TRIPOLI (25-13)

Time and place: 7 p.m., at New Hampton

Overview: For nearly two decades, Tripoli has been the dominant force in small-school volleyball. The Panthers have fallen short of Cedar Rapids just once since 1998, and have captured 11 state titles in that run. It's a transition year, though, with Kerry Merrifield taking the coaching reins. Kennedy Drewis, a freshman, leads the Panthers in kills at 2.60 per set. Turkey Valley is shooting for its first state berth behind a veteran crew. Junior Kayla Schaufenbuel is the top hitter at 3.08 kills per set and a .432 kill efficiency. Most of the other top players are seniors.

CLASS 1A REGION 7: No. 15 IOWA VALLEY (24-7) vs. No. 5 NEW LONDON (34-7)

Time and place: 7 p.m., at Lone Tree

Overview: Iowa Valley aims for its first state trip in school history, and to end a long dry spell for its conference. The South Iowa Cedar League hasn't had a state-tournament team since 2004, when North Mahaska qualified. Both teams have swept their way through the postseason. Iowa Valley avenged a regular-season loss to Keota, winning convincingly in the regional semifinals. Marissa Ward (2.99 kills per set) and Lily Seye (2.35) are the primary hitters. New London has won 16 straight matches and seeks its first state trip since 2009. Emily Parks and Jorgi Krieger both hit more than 3 kills per set.

l Comments: (319) 368-8857; jeff.linder@thegazette.com