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Van Meter drops Iowa City Regina to get another shot at title
The Bulldogs took down No. 4 Iowa City Regina, 1-0, in the state semifinals Wednesday, June 3, 2025 at Mediacom Stadium in Des Moines, Iowa
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DES MOINES - Van Meter will have another crack at the crown.
After dethroning defending Class 1A state champion North Fayette Valley on Monday, the Bulldogs (17-1-2) took down No. 4 Iowa City Regina, 1-0, in the state semifinals Wednesday at Mediacom Stadium.
In doing so, the Bulldogs gave themselves another opportunity to win the state title game after finishing as 2024 runners-up.
“It was a really tough-fought battle,” Van Meter Coach Jonah Waldron said. “A lot of really good players on Regina — a well-coached team.
“For us, I think we were really determined to get there (the state title game) first and foremost. Now we have a job to finish. Hopefully we can come out and play our best game of the year.”
Van Meter junior Henry Lounsbury fired a bullet through for a goal at the 7:41 mark of the first half. Freshman Will Bemis assisted on the shot.
“I like those shots a lot,” Lounsbury said. “When I came off, I thought the top box was really open, so I kind of told my buddies to look for me there because it was an open shot — I realized I had a rip there.”
“He hit a rocket, no question about it,” Regina Coach Rick Larew said. “He hit a rocket, to his credit. It was a great shot.”
Lounsbury’s score was all the Bulldogs needed.
“It was a very physical game and I thought we battled well,” Larew said. “My guess is we had at least as many shots as they did. We just couldn't quite convert them.
“I really thought we might get one. And to their credit, they stopped us. Not many teams have stopped us.”
Regina’s season ends at 15-3-3 — another strong campaign for Larew in his 27th year at helm.
“I thought our kids played very well,” Larew said. “I wasn't disappointed in a single person, probably just disappointed in myself that I couldn't figure out a way to make it come out another way. That's the only person I'm disappointed in right now.”
It was Regina’s 17th state tournament appearance and third straight trip to the semifinals.
“It's always a special event — I love this thing,” Larew said. “I think it's a special tournament and special event with a bunch of really good teams.”
Van Meter will play No. 7 West Sioux in the state championship game Friday at noon at Mediacom Stadium.
“If we stick to the high standards that we ask them every single day, I think we’re capable of being the best team in the state,” Waldron said. “But only one game will tell.”
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