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Ankeny Christian has a Quick start in 1A state volleyball quarterfinal win over Don Bosco
Katie Quick totals 34 assists as the top-ranked Eagles sweep the Dons
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CORALVILLE — Ankeny Christian had a Quick start Tuesday night.
Katie Quick that is.
The all-state setter was in a zone during the first set of the Eagles’ Class 1A quarterfinal against No. 8 Don Bosco.
Quick, the reigning state 1A player of the year, had 14 assists in the first set alone and finished with 34 as Ankeny Christian rolled to a 25-9, 25-16, 25-17 win at Xtream Arena.
The Eagles (39-5) are in search of their third straight state title. They haven't dropped a set to a 1A opponent this season and were never seriously threatened by the Dons.
Quick, who will play next season at Drake, is considered by many to be the top setter in the state. Her play Tuesday did nothing to challenge that claim.
“I just think we were really in system from the start,” she said. “The passes I got were amazing and we were able to run a fast tempo and keep them guessing.”
Coach Michele Quick said her daughter’s play resulted in some strong attacks.
“Our hitting percentage was pretty solid,” she said. “We have a large arsenal, we can go pretty much anywhere and we know we can pretty much take care of business.”
On top of the fast-tempo offense, there was a specific defensive plan for the Dons, according to Michele Quick.
“We were very prepared,” she said. “We shifted our rotation a little bit. We knew we had to concentrate on (Don Bosco’s Kennedi McGarvey) to try and slow her down and keep her from hitting. The majority of their sets go to her so we knew we had to slow it down.”
McGarvey came in averaging nearly four kills per set, but was limited to nine for the match on 29 attempts.
Ankeny Christian is the overwhelming favorite to take the 1A title. Coach Quick said the team has embraced the expectations and not looked past any opponent.
“We just work one day at a time and stay focused on each other,” she said. “Our motto this year has been ‘All In.’ We've played all (bigger schools) this year and we've had some success. The approach hasn't changed.”
Carley Craighead had 14 kills and Anna Weathers added 11 for the Eagles. Alaina Hellman had 16 digs for Don Bosco (20-16).
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