Linn-Mar vs. Cedar Rapids Jefferson volleyball: Tuesday's preview

CEDAR RAPIDS — It's the area's biggest volleyball match of the season ...

So far.

The MVC Mississippi Division lead is on the line tonight, when Class 5A fourth-ranked Linn-Mar (17-3, 3-0) visits No. 3 Cedar Rapids Jefferson (15-1, 2-0).

First serve is slated for about 7:30 p.m.

Linn-Mar has won 12 straight matches, capturing tournament titles at Cedar Rapids Washington and at home. Junior setter Megan Renner, a Purdue recruit, runs the show. Renner averages 7.60 assists per set and also is a capable hitter. Anna Gorsich (2.18 kills per set, .437 kill efficiency), Ellie Von Lehmden (2.04, .237) and Carly Spies (2.05, .337) are the big weapons in the front row.

Spies is a UNI recruit and is coming back from a foot injury.

Jefferson's lone loss came in the semifinals of the Southeast Polk tournament, a three-set thriller against defending 5A state champion Ankeny Centennial (19-17 in the third). The J-Hawks have swept their other 15 matches and carry a set record of 36-2.

With the exception of senior hitter Maddie Slagle (3.05 kills per set, .332 kill efficiency), Jefferson is a junior-dominated crew. Sydney Kloubec (2.77, .279) and Lindsey Culver (2.37, .315) also are very capable hitters, with Maddy Baxter averaging 9.55 assists per set. UNI recruit Kaylee Donner is one of the state's top liberos and averages 4.66 digs per set.

Linn-Mar Coach Teresa Bair went over the 700-win plateau earlier this season. Bair won six state titles at Tripoli.

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