O's quest: Extend awesome autumn

Springville is, in the words of Claude Howard, "a community that gets behind its athletics, win or lose."

This fall, it's been pretty much win and win some more.How many schools could see their football season end in the UNI-Dome and the volleyball team at the U.S. Cellular Center? Springville could.

The 11th-ranked Orioles (29-10) take a 12-match winning streak to Iowa City West on Wednesday; they'll face No. 3 New London (37-6) in a Class 1A volleyball regional final. First serve is 7 p.m.

The final passes to the state tournament will be issued Wednesday with 1A and 2A regional finals statewide. The Springville-New London match one of two matches involving area 1A teams. The other is at Center Point, where No. 14 Iowa Mennonite (26-9) tangles with No. 2 Janesville (34-4).In 2A, No. 11 West Branch (26-7) plays Iowa City Regina (18-11) at Tiffin.

The state tournament returns to the U.S. Cellular Center, Nov. 12-15.West Branch made its first state appearance last year. The Bears try to make it two in a row, but need to get past River Valley Conference rival Regina to do it.

"Both of our (regular-season) matches were really tight," said Bears Coach Josh Lukavsky. "(Regina) just keeps getting better."

The Regals are led by Tori Owens, whose 5.36 kills per game ranks fifth in the state.

"We know she's going to get the majority of their swings," Lukavsky said. "We need to serve well and keep them off balance. If we pass the ball, I'm hoping we can keep some pressure on them."

Howard was an assistant when Springville made its previous state appearance, in 2008. Now, he's in his first year as the man in change.

The Orioles face a challenge, but they're surging.

"We've really done a good job at the net lately," he said. "When we're blocking and getting touches and slowing the other team's offense down, that's when we're successful."