Class 1A: Holy Trinity avoids top-seed blues in Guthrie Center sweep

CEDAR RAPIDS – Through two days and five classes, top seeds had more than a few issues.

Some, like Ankeny in Class 5A, couldn't overcome the nerves and spunky lower seeds. Others, like Fort Madison Holy Trinity last night, found a way to rise above it all and sweep Guthrie Center, 25-18, 25-21, 25-7.

Not only did the Crusaders solve their self-inflicted issues, they found an extra gear in the decisive set that showed everyone at the U.S. Cellular Center how dominant they could be.

'It definitely puts a little spring in our step,' said sophomore outside hitter Madlyn Orton. 'We're definitely feeling good about that, but we have to stay focused on the task at hand.

'Volleyball is a game of momentum. If you have a bad pass, you've got to shake it off and move on … You can't get down, because the other team will see that.'

Holy Trinity Coach Melissa Freesmeier said some of the issues the team faced were uncharacteristic, but was happy to see them shake it off quickly.

Once the Crusaders got back to what makes them the No. 1 team in Class 1A – serving well and forcing the opposition into bad situations defensively – things clicked.

'We're three (sets) and out, so that's a good thing when you're at the state tournament,' Freesmeier said. 'I think our serving got aggressive and we stopped missing serves. We kept them out of system and when we keep the other team out of system, we can be very good.'

Junior Mikaela Foecke came up big for Holy Trinity, registering 29 kills and three aces.

The 6-foot-4 outside hitter's calling card may be a thunderous swing, but it was her versatility on all parts of the floor that Freesmeier was most impressed with.

'She's a team leader and she hits the ball very, very well,' Freesmeier said. 'She's very aggressive wherever she is on the court. She's not going to let the ball drop. When she's around, the ball is going to be put in play.'

Now in their second straight state semifinal, the Crusaders surely will continue to call on Foecke in the pursuit of their ultimate goal of a title.

But everyone in a blue Holy Trinity jersey not named Foecke have something in store for the competition – even if no one else thinks they're capable.

'I think we're all really skilled players,' Orton said. 'I mean, obviously Mikaela is really good, but I think maybe we have some little tricks and stuff other teams don't really get or (might) underestimate.'

Holy Trinity will face off against LeMars Gehlen at 6 p.m. on Thursday.