Experienced Harlan takes care of Pella in 4A quarterfinals

CEDAR RAPIDS – The Harlan Cyclones are back 'home.”

The two-time defending Class 4A state champions seem quite comfortable within the confines of the U.S. Cellular Center, and they began another state tournament march with an efficient sweep of 10th-ranked Pella, 25-16, 25-21, 25-22, in a state quarterfinal on Tuesday.

'So many great memories happened (here),” Harlan senior libero Jordyn Moser said. 'I remember my first time ever stepping out on the floor. … It's kind of been a tradition as we've set it. It's really awesome, a very comfortable place to be here and it helps in our advantage.”

Moser and the Cyclones hope that advantage holds when Harlan plays eighth-ranked Sioux City Heelan (31-13) in a semifinal Thursday at noon.

Moser led No. 2 Harlan (36-5) with 21 digs, while senior setter Jessica DuVal collected 35 assists. Senior middle hitter Taylor Frederick – a member of the 4A all-tournament team the past two years – pounded Pella with 26 kills.

'She sees the floor really well,” Harlan Coach Angie Spangenberg said. 'She's not swinging every single time. I think she's a smart player who has really improved her backrow skills, too.”

The 6-foot-1 Frederick – who will play basketball for the University of South Dakota next season – has provided an ample point-scoring punch for the Cyclones in place of Jess Schaben, who moved on to Iowa State.

'We've connected so well over the past few months,” Frederick said. 'It's just been the funnest year yet. We're dedicated. We knew we could get here.”

6-foot freshman middle hitter Emily Holterhaus led Pella (27-11) with 11 kills. The Dutch are ready to build on a solid foundation after their first state-tournament appearance since 2010.

'We feel like we really have the potential to play at this elite level,” Pella Coach Catie Brand. 'Looking back on today's match, it didn't feel like it was our best volleyball. I told the girls, ‘Ending your season in Cedar Rapids is the spot you want it to end when it has to end.

l Comments: douglas.miles@thegazette.com