Top-seeded Pella earns first state volleyball victory

CEDAR RAPIDS — Pella finds itself in new territory.

It took the Dutch eight trips to get there.

Top-seeded Pella claimed its first victory at the state volleyball tournament, dropping Nevada, 25-20, 25-23, 25-16, in a Class 4A quarterfinal Tuesday at the U.S. Cellular Center. The Dutch (37-4) will make their semifinal debut Thursday at noon.

'We've been working for this all season,' Pella sophomore Emily Holterhaus said. 'We had this on our list since the beginning. To be able to do this as a team is amazing.'

Even though it only took Pella three sets to close out the match, each was a challenge. Nevada led 15-14 in the first before Pella pulled away, including three straight to close it.

Pella trailed, 20-17, but answered to win seven of the last nine points to claim the second set. Pella controlled the third set, getting an early 4-1 lead and pulling away after an 8-7 edge.

'It was a tight match,' Pella Coach Catie Brand said. 'I felt Nevada played really well. It was a tight match. They are scrappy.'

Brand said Nevada kept balls in play that the Dutch had turned into points against other teams. They maintained pressure until shots fell.

'Our hitters had to stay really patient,' Brand said. 'They had to find other holes on the court. It felt like our offense was balanced and our setter stayed involved.'

Holterhaus led Pella with 15 kills. Kiki Pingel had 33 assists and Kiara added two aces for the Dutch.

'I tried my best to relax and play my game the whole time,' Holterhaus said. 'I tried not to do anything special and do my best, hitting it as hard as I could.'

Last year, the Dutch were eliminated in the opening round by Harlan. They learned a lesson that helped in their preparation.

'We only graduated one senior,' Brand said. 'This year, when we talked about state they knew. They knew the arena, the feel of the court, we practiced with crowd music and sound. It was a different way of preparing since they had the expectation and experience already.'

The Dutch will soak it in as they try to earn the program's first trip to the finals.

'It's amazing,' Holterhaus said. 'I'm so thankful for this group of girls I'm able to play with. Every moment is special and it means so much to play another game with them.'

Abby Stephenson had eight kills and Hattie Rhodes had two aces for Nevada (29-14).

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