New-look Cougars sweep Waterloo East

VINTON -- Waterloo East is the equivalent of a one-man band.Cedar Rapids Kennedy is a harmonic symphony.The symphony is booked for the U.S. Cellular Center next week.Fifth-ranked Kennedy more than overcame a 27-kill barrage by Haley Eckerman and swept No. 7 Waterloo East, 25-18, 25-22, 25-23, in a Class 4A regional final volleyball match Tuesday night at Garrison Fieldhouse."When you play Haley Eckerman, you figure she's going to get her kills and let's just relax," said Kennedy Coach Michelle Goodall.Kennedy (36-7) advances to the state tournament for the third consecutive year. The Cougars will face Urbandale at 1:30 p.m. next Wednesday.The Cougars advanced to the semifinals in 2008 and 2009. This figured to be a down year after graduation hit hard.It's not."Everyone thought we were going to be bad," said Katie Sickelka. "But we've proven to everyone, 'Hey, we're still here.' We have some amazing young players, and I love playing with them."While East (31-10) relies heavily -- almost solely -- on Eckerman, the Cougars have numerous weapons. And they have a unique luxury in junior Allie Hutcheson, a left-hander who can set for attack equally well from the right side in Kennedy's new 6-2 offense.Hutcheson posted 15 kills and 15 assists Tuesday."It kind of allows me to do some different things," Hutcheson said. "I use what I have, and it helps the team spread the wealth."Hutcheson collected four straight kills in a critical five-point run as Kennedy took a 22-18 lead in the finale."She had a breakout match," Goodall said. "This was her best match, by far. I thought her attacking gave her confidence." Sickelka added 11 kills. Alexus Littls distributed 20 assists.It took the Cougars some time to adjust to Eckerman, the reigning state player of the year who has committed to the University of Texas. She had four kills as the Trojans jumped to a 6-1 lead.Kennedy chipped away and took its first lead at 14-13. Back-to-back aces by Litts capped a four-point surge as the Cougars took the upper hand for good.Game 2 was back and forth until a 5-1 run put the Cougars up to stay at 17-13. The finale was tight until Hutcheson's late surge.The Cougars clinched it on a block by Litts. Like Hutcheson, Litts shares roles as a hitter and setter.It's a new attack. It's a new team.And it's a symphony headed downtown.

Game

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Waterloo East (31-10)

18

22

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Cedar Rapids Kennedy (36-7)

25

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