Dike-New Hartford cruises to Class 2A final

CEDAR RAPIDS - It's been a slow return for Brooke Morgan back into the rotation for the Dike-New Hartford volleyball team.

She wasn't at 100 percent for either of the Wolverines' quarterfinal or semifinal matches, but in the end it didn't really matter. Her teammates rose to the occasion in her absence for much of the season, and adjusted just fine as she worked her way back in their sweep of Unity Christian, 25-19, 25-11, 25-17.

'They all have their own strengths and attributes, and without Brooke we're a quicker team so we have a different dimension,” said Dike-New Hartford Coach Diane Harms. 'With Brooke we're a bigger team, so it creates another different dimension and different look for the team.

'It's very interesting (as a coach). They're totally different styles and the girls have done a nice job of adjusting.”

The Wolverines' offense, as a result, was spread around a little more evenly. Senior Lizzy Blough led the team with 14 kills, and was a perfect 7 of 7 at the service line. Senior Briana Weber added 11 kills and was 11 of 11 serving as well. Setter Rachel Koop was up to her usual tricks, too, with 41 of the team's 46 assists.

Harms pointed out Morgan wasn't the player people got used to seeing, but that was expected because of the lengthy time away with injury.

Even though she wasn't at full speed, she still affected the game with 12 kills in 18 attempts and had a pair of blocks.

'You're off two months, there's a lot of things you lose during that time,” Harms said. 'She's coming in and does a lot of things well, but no, she's not the player she was before she went out.

'She moved a little better today. She's a very strong player. For her just to get back in and contribute is a big plus for her.”

Morgan's teammates obviously prefer when she's in the game for a few reasons. The biggest, of course, is her physical presence, and also what she brings as a leader in the huddle.

But her being on the floor opens things up for others because opposing teams focus so intently on the 6-foot-5 middle hitter.

'When we heard she was going to be out, it was kind of hard on all of us, but I think we were able to get to a place that we were good without her and now that she's back it's awesome,” Blough said. 'I think she does (open things up for others) because everyone's going to focus on the 6-(foot)-5 girl.

'We were very welcoming to have her back. … I think now that she's back, it's helped us a lot. We're a pretty tall team as it is, but having someone that's 6-(foot)-5 adds another intimidating factor.”

Blough, Morgan and the rest of the Wolverines are now onto the final against Western Christian. It's the fourth year in a row the two teams face off in the championship match, and seventh time since 2003 the teams have played for the title. Western Christian won in 2003, 2007 and 2008, and Dike-New Hartford has won the last three from 2011-13.

They tip off at 4:45 p.m. on center court at the U.S. Cellular Center.

l Comments: (319) 368-8884; jeremiah.davis@thegazette.com