2023 Iowa high school state volleyball tournament: A look at the Gazette-area teams

CORALVILLE — An in-depth look at the six teams in The Gazette’s coverage area that will be competing in the state volleyball tournament this week at Xtream Arena:

CLASS 4A

No. 3 Cedar Rapids Xavier (24-6)

Coach — Amy Weiland (1st year, 24-6)

Tournament history — 12th appearance, eighth in a row. Saints won 4A titles in 2020 and 2022.

Statistical leaders

* Kills per set — Libby Fandel, 4.95

* Assists per set — Molly Garrison, 9.56

* Digs per set — Carley Jonker, 3.35

* Aces per set — Carissa Timmerman, 0.56

* Blocks per set — Taylor Rexroth, 0.67

First-round opponent — Saints will face No. 6 Lewis Central (31-2) in a 4A quarterfinal at 6:25 p.m. Monday.

No. 1 Clear Creek Amana (45-0)

Coach — Jackie Clubb (10th year, 275-123)

Tournament history — 5th appearance, highlighted by a 4A runner-up finish last year.

Statistical leaders

* Kills per set — Bliss Beck, 3.81

* Assists per set — Emily Henderson, 4.92

* Digs per set — Meg Berkland, 4.77

* Aces per set — Kenadi Wood, 0.47

* Blocks per set — Beck, 1.09

First-round opponent — Clippers will face No. 10 Norwalk (26-14) in a 4A quarterfinal at 4 p.m. Monday.

No. 7 Marion (26-12)

Coach — Roxanne Paulsen (20th year at Marion, 612-238; 24th year overall, 638-299)

Tournament history — 12th appearance, third in a row. Won a 3A title in 2008.

Statistical leaders

* Kills per set — Michaela Goad, 3.85

* Assists per set — Alexis Pierce, 7.43

* Digs per set — Natalee Hartman, 4.67

* Aces per set — Sophia Paulsen, 0.50

* Blocks per set — Carlee Webber, 0.87

First-round opponent — Wolves will face No. 2 Indianola (36-4) in a 4A quarterfinal at 4:25 p.m. Monday.

CLASS 3A

No. 7 Center Point-Urbana (27-9)

Coach — Michelle Halac (5th year, 84-97)

Tournament history — 3rd appearance, first since 2015.

Statistical leaders

* Kills per set — Sydney Maue, 3.07

* Assists per set — Logan Keller, 4.93

* Digs per set — Gracie Hoskins, 4.79

* Aces per set — Paige Foltz, 0.44

* Blocks per set — Foltz, 0.78

First-round opponent — Stormin’ Pointers will face No. 3 Western Christian (29-13) in a 3A quarterfinal at 12:25 p.m. Tuesday.

No. 1 Mount Vernon (33-4)

Coach — Maggie Willems (13th year, 386-136)

Tournament history — 18th appearance, sixth consecutive. Mustangs have won four championships, most recently in 2019.

Statistical leaders

* Kills per set — Chloe Meester, 5.21

* Assists per set — Sydney Huber, 10.33

* Digs per set — Jaden Rolland, 3.49

* Aces per set — Eryn Jackson, 0.57

* Blocks per set — Caliana Whitaker, 0.51

First-round opponent — Mustangs will face No. 9 Dubuque Wahlert (18-12) in a 3A quarterfinal at 10 a.m. Tuesday.

No. 8 Union Community (28-11)

Coach — Brian Jesse (14th year at Union, 421-166; 17th year overall)

Tournament history — 10th appearance, all since 2010.

Statistical leaders

* Kills per set — Gracie Klima, 4.27

* Assists per set — Avery Knoop, 9.63

* Digs per set — Reagan Glenn, 2.92

* Aces per set — Glenn, 0.35

* Blocks per set — Dena Robb, 0.83

First-round opponent — Knights will face No. 2 Cherokee (29-6) in a 3A quarterfinal at 10:25 a.m. Tuesday.

Comments: jeff.linder@thegazette.com