Clear Creek Amana takes care of business against Norwalk in state volleyball first round

CORALVILLE — There is a quiet confidence displayed as the Clear Creek Amana volleyball team goes about its business.

“That was our motto coming in here,” said senior middle hitter Bliss Beck. “We're here to take care of business, playing CCA volleyball like we know we can.”

The Clippers are two wins away from completing the business trip they have been on all season. The state's top-ranked Class 4A team made quick work of No. 10 Norwalk, 25-13, 25-14, 25-19 in a state tournament quarterfinal match Monday at Xtream Arena.

In moving to 46-0, CCA used a tried and true approach that has carried it to victory in every match this season.

“(The players) know this is serious, we know what we have to do to win,” said CCA Coach Jackie Clubb. “I think we had an advantage today because we have been here before and we had the experience of playing in this venue.”

The Clippers were the state runners-up last year and all of those starters are back. They were pushed at times in each of the three sets against Norwalk, but were never in any serious trouble.

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Beck said nothing can be taken for granted, especially when teams reach the state tournament.

“Every team is going to have runs when you get to this level,” she said. “These are the best teams in the state playing here. You just have to keep your composure so you can come back and make a run of your own.”

Clubb echoed those sentiments.

“They have had a next-play mentality all season,” she said. “We're excited if we win the point or even if we don't win the point. We have that moment and we move on.

“They have just embraced that. They know the importance of a lead, not getting behind. They've had that happen before and they aren't ever very happy about it.”

Clubb said there is not much time spent having to motivate her players, adding most of her coaching is strategy related.

“The girls have done a really good job of that this year,” she said.

Beck was simply too much for Norwalk. She finished with 21 kills. Even though she had only one block, her 6-foot-2 frame and long arms forced the Warriors into numerous hitting errors.

Averie Lower added eight kills for the Clippers. Meg Berkland had 22 digs.

Noelle Sutcliffe and Ava Johnson had seven kills each for Norwalk, which closes at 26-14.