Dominant Dike-New Hartford closes in on 16th state volleyball title

CORALVILLE — One more chance.

You’ve got one more opportunity to watch one of the most dominant volleyball teams in state history.

Thursday afternoon at 4:45. Tune in.

Top-ranked Dike-New Hartford punched the clock, delivered another whipping — 25-9, 25-21, 25-12 over No. 4 Denver in a Class 2A semifinal — and punched out, 59 minutes later.

There was no jubilation. It was nothing personal, after all, just business.

“That’s kind of the way they are,” DNH Coach Diane Harms said. “They love playing together, but that have a workmanship attitude. That expect to do things.”

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The Wolverines (49-0) have done plenty, winning 107 of 108 sets this season (the lone blemish was against 5A finalist West Des Moines Dowling) while playing in the state’s best conference in addition to a challenging series of Saturday tournaments.

“We push each other on and off the court,” said Payton Peterson, who will take her skills to the University of Louisville next year.

Peterson amassed 24 kills (and a .422 hitting efficiency), leading the Wolverines to a 52-16 termination advantage. Her twin, Jadyn Peterson, added 16 kills.

No. 2 Hinton (32-1) stands between the Wolverines and their 16th title. They were runners-up to Western Christian last year.

Denver finished 35-11, including 0-5 against DNH.

The Peterson twins are the second set of twins born to UNI Coach Bobbi Peterson. Jadyn will accompany her mom at Cedar Falls next year.

Comments: jeff.linder@thegazette.com