Class 2A: EBF breaks through in first trip to state since 2006

CEDAR RAPIDS – The last time Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont was in the state volleyball tournament in 2006, the girls on this year's team were in elementary school.

But that doesn't mean the Rockets failed to understand what they accomplished in their 25-20, 25-22, 25-27, 25-16, victory over Council Bluffs St. Albert – the first win at state in program history.

'It's very special,' said sophomore Karlie Taylor. 'We all came to the state game (in 2006). We were all here as little kids. To play here is very special to all of us.'

EBF Coach Gladys Genskow is in her 18th year has head coach for the Rockets, and said very few things are the same seven years removed from the last trip.

Finding that ever-elusive combination of players and scheme was the goal, and Genskow said EBF finally found it this time around.

'Totally different team, totally different caliber of kids, totally different offense and things like that, but the tradition is still there,' Genskow said. 'We've always been strong as a team, just not strong enough or have the team camaraderie to get to the state tournament. It takes those balance levels.'

Genskow said she was very proud of the fact that her girls – totally inexperience in this situation – were able to come out and show few, if any, nerves.Not having to adjust emotionally on the fly gave the girls confidence.

'It was a game where their nerves, I didn't think, took them out of it whatsoever,' Genskow said. 'Getting here the night before got rid of all those nerves so that it was just a regular match.

'We talked about it in the locker room: if we win, these are just bonus games for us (because) we've already done such great things to get here to the state tournament.'

It may have ended up feeling like 'just a regular match' after the fact, but Taylor said stepping out onto the U.S. Cellular Center floor was a dream come true.

Taylor stepped up in a big way to make that happen, totaling 33 kills in the match.

'It was such an adrenaline rush,' Taylor said. 'I've always wanted to play on that court; it's always your goal. And then to get out there and win, it's just so special.'

The win wasn't just special for the girls. The win being Genskow's first at state as a coach, too, left her with a wide smile and unsure of just how to handle it.

'I had no idea what it was supposed to be like, (we) hadn't been in that situation,' Genskow said with a laugh. 'We've kind of walked off with the (consolation) trophies in our hands. It's a different feeling. It's really neat knowing we're going to be playing again tomorrow.

'The girls are really excited, and they know that now there's nothing to be nervous about. We're going to go play a game, do what we can do and try to go for a championship.'

EB will face off against Dike-New Hartford on Thursday at 4 p.m.