Denver sweeps EBF, earns its first state volleyball championship

CORALVILLE — Denver’s twins aren’t too shabby, either.

Grace Mullihan knocked down 13 kills (in only 16 attacks), Bailey Mullihan added 11, and the top-ranked Cyclones had the more rounded team.

The reward was a Class 2A state volleyball championship: Denver swept No. 2 Eddyville EBF, 25-16, 25-23, 25-20, Thursday afternoon at Xtream Arena.

“We defended the court really well,” Denver Coach Jamie Johnson said after the Cyclones (47-3) wrapped up their first title. “We were digging, diving, doing everything we could do.”

Denver won despite the efforts of EBF’s fantastic senior twins. Molly Shafer was the 2A all-tournament captain after collecting 26 kills. Kate Shafer dished out 36 assists.

“They’re outstanding players,” Grace Mullihan said. “During the season, we’ve faced a lot of tough teams, so we’ve had to face some adversity.”

The Mullihan twins joined the Shafer twins on the all-tournament unit. So did Denver’s Channing Johnson, Dyersville Beckman’s Alli Scherbring and Iowa City Regina’s Reese Naeve.

Denver rallied from a 23-22 deficit in the second set, scoring the final three points. Then, in Game 3, the Cyclones scored the final eight points to erase a 20-17 disadvantage.

“We depended on each other and relied on each other,” Bailey Mullihan said.

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Photos: Denver vs. EBF in Class 2A state volleyball championship

EBF finished 36-3. The Shafer twins are seniors and will play volleyball at UNI.

The Mullihan twins are juniors, and the Cyclones will bring back five starters for a repeat bid in 2025.

Denver 3, Eddyville EBF 0

(25-16, 25-23, 25-20)

Class 2A State Final, at Coralville

Serving: EBF 52-61 (.852), Denver 64-73 (.877)

Aces: EBF 1 (Kaylee Helm), Denver 8 (Myia Rosecrans)

Kills: EBF 39 (Molly Shafer 26), Denver 48 (Grace Mullihan 13)

Assists: EBF 39 (Kate Shafer 36), Denver 44 (Channing Johnson 38)

Blocks: EBF 1 (M. Shafer), Denver 3 (Bailey Mullihan, Mylee Thurm 1)

Digs: EBF 47 (M. Shafer 18), Denver 48 (Alayna Akers 13)

Comments: jeff.linder@thegazette.com