Dike-New Hartford rolls past rival Aplington-Parkersburg in 2A state volleyball quarterfinals

CORALVILLE — Some of the names may have changed, but the result, at least on Tuesday afternoon, looked very familiar.

Dike-New Hartford may have lost three all-staters from last year's 50-0 Class 2A state volleyball championship team, but those who took their place looked more than capable of making it back-to-back titles for the Wolverines.

Coach Diane Harms’ team (30-15) was in control from start to finish, rolling to a 25-22, 25-12, 25-16 over North Iowa Cedar League rival Aplington-Parkersburg in a 2A quarterfinal match at Xtream Arena.

“The girls came in this year and for a lot of them it was the first time they really got on the floor,” said Harms, who is in search of her 10th state title. “They are making the most of their opportunities.

“They are very skilled players who were just waiting for their chance. They have been down here before as part of the team, but getting to actually play on the court is very special.”

Harms was pleased with her team’s passing and ball control, which she said allowed them to stay in plays and take Aplington-Parkersburg out of system.

Seniors Shannon Moorman and Izzy Norton were regulars on last year's team. Moorman said the team actually got off to a bit of a slow start.

“Honestly, the first set we probably had some nerves,” said Moorman, who finished with 11 kills. “After the first set, we just played our game.”

Moorman said that getting the chance to see other seniors, Lucy Varney and Madde Buskohl, get their opportunities has been special.

“I did get to play last season,” Moorman said. “Now, coming here with these girls I've played with since fourth grade is just awesome.”

Another NICL rival, top-ranked Denver, awaits in the semifinals. The two teams will be playing in the state semifinals for the third time in five years.

The roles are now reversed with Denver being the favorite.

“We definitely know a lot about each other,” Moorman said. “It will be different (with Denver as the favorite), but we just need to come here and do what we need to do.”

Norton led the Wolverines with 12 kills. Peyton Klooster paced the Falcons (36-7) with eight kills.