Status quo would be just fine for Orioles

 No need for massive adjustments.

The Springville Orioles can succeed, Coach Claude Howard said, if they stay focused and do what they've done recently.

'When we move the ball around, we're able to find some mismatches with their blockers,' Howard said. 'As long as we're focused, things can work out for us.'

Fifth-ranked Springville (30-7) takes aim at a state-tournament berth Wednesday, when it faces No. 11 Bellevue Marquette (22-7) in a Class 1A volleyball regional final at Maquoketa.

First serve is 7 p.m.

The matchup between the two Tri-Rivers Conference divisional champions is one of four matches involving area teams Wednesday. Also in 1A, No. 9 Iowa Valley (25-8) seeks its first state trip when it meets No. 3 Janesville (24-14) at Reinbeck.

In 2A, fourth-ranked West Branch (34-5) faces Durant (23-9) at Tipton, and No. 14 North Cedar (30-10) tangles with No. 5 Wapsie Valley (30-4) at Center Point.

Springville is 3-0 this season against Marquette, and is on a serious tear. The Orioles have won 24 of their last 25 matches.

But the past doesn't matter, Howard said.

'The other three matches won't help us in the fourth,' he said. 'If we don't do the job (Wednesday), the other three matches won't matter.'

North Cedar is an underdog in its encounter with Wapsie Valley, but the Knights were brimming with confidence after sweeeping Alburnett in the regional semifinals.

'I think we can hang with any team out there,' said Knights Coach Traci Smith. 'I don't think they'll have anything we can't handle.'

CLASS 2A REGION 7: No. 14 NORTH CEDAR (30-10) vs. No. 5 WAPSIE VALLEY (30-4)

When and where: 7 p.m., at Center Point

Overview: North Cedar is a win away from its first state tournament since qualifying for three years in a row at the beginning of its existence (1995-97), but the Knights need to end Wapsie's 14-match win streak to do it. Both teams have swept their way through regional competition. The champion of the River Valley Conference North Division, North Cedar was extremely balanced in a win over Alburnett in the regional semifinals. Sisters Darby Hawtrey (sophomore) and Madison Hawtrey (senior) combine for 5.26 kills per match, and junior libero Taylor Kress has compiled more than 1,000 digs in her career. Wapsie Valley was a 1A state champion in 2006 and 2007. Senior Haley Weepie averages 4.94 kills per set with a .339 kill efficiency.

CLASS 2A REGION 8: No. 4 WEST BRANCH (34-5) vs. DURANT (23-9)

When and where: 7 p.m., at Tipton (Middle School)

Overview: RVC South Division champion West Branch swept Durant easily in the first meeting (Sept. 10) behind 13 kills from Haley Poula, the Bears' season leader in kills at 3.76 per set. Abby Knoop and Bailey Lukavsky add more than 2 kills per set apiece, and Trystin Luneckas runs the show with more than 9 kills per set. The Bears never made a state volleyball tournament until 2012, but are favored to advance for the third time in four years. Durant qualified three straight years (2005-07), and is trying to get back for the first time since. Shannon Telsrow paces the Wildcats at 3.33 kills per set.

CLASS 1A REGION 5: No. 9 IOWA VALLEY (25-8) vs. No. 3 JANESVILLE (24-14)

When and where: 7 p.m., at Reinbeck

Overview: Janesville pursues its sixth consecutive state-tournament appearance, and it's a run highlighted by a state title in 2013. The Wildcats were semifinalists last year. Iowa Valley, meanwhile, is trying to break through and reach the U.S. Cellular Center for the first time. These teams collided Sept. 5 at a tournament in Vinton, with Janesville prevailing, 21-16, 21-18. That's the only loss for the Tigers against 1A competition; they won the South Iowa Cedar League championship. One of the state's top high jumpers, Marissa Ward is the top offensive threat at 3.75 kills per set and a .393 kill efficiency. Gillian Gergen (3.28 kills per set) is a proven star for Janesville, and the addition of freshman Bree Thompson (2.99 kills per set) has been a boost.

CLASS 1A REGION 7: No. 5 SPRINGVILLE (30-7) vs. No. 11 BELLEVUE MARQUETTE (22-7)

When and where: 7 p.m., at Maquoketa

Overview: Springville can reach the state tournament for the second time in three years if it can improve to 4-0 this season against Marquette. The Orioles are champions of the Tri-Rivers Conference West Division while Marquette captured the East. Springville is on a tear, with 24 wins in its last 25 matches. Senior Megan Wagaman is the Orioles' top threat at the net with 3.59 kills per set and a .322 kill efficiency. Marquette survived a regional-semifinal scare, outlasting Calamus-Wheatland in five sets, including 15-12 in the fifth.

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