Reigning champ WSR rips Lancers

CEDAR RAPIDS -- Waverly-Shell Rock played like a reigning state champion, which it is.And North Scott resembled a state-tournament rookie, which it basically is.Fourth-rated WSR set up an all-Northeast Iowa Conference showdown by sweeping No. 5 North Scott, 25-18, 25-17, 25-17, in a Class 4A quarterfinal at the state volleybal tournament Wednesday night at the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena."We beat them in a really close match (in the regular season), so we knew we had to come out really hard," said WSR's Mattie Gray.The Go-Hawks (45-7), champions of Class 3A last year, had no problem this time, dominating from the start.They'll face No. 1 Charles City in a semifinal 1:45 Friday afternoon. Charles City (43-1) defeated Cedar Rapids Xavier in four games Wednesday, and has beaten WSR three times this season."I'm really excited to play them again," Gray said. "I know we can win if we block the way we did tonight."The Go-Hawks collected 14 blocks Wednesday, four from Elena Gray. Both Grays (Mattie and Elena) collected six kills.North Scott (27-6) was making its first state appearance since 1986. Emily Hermiston led the Lancers with 10 kills.