Dynamic, dynastic Dike-New Hartford repeats as 2A state volleyball champion

CEDAR RAPIDS — Diane Harms was well aware of Western Christian’s comeback ability.

“We knew they were going to battle and fight,” said Harms, volleyball coach at Dike-New Hartford. “They came back from 0-2 against (Dyersville) Beckman.

“We had to take a moment to stop and refocus.”

Top-ranked Dike-New Hartford completed a 54-1 season with another Class 2A championship Friday afternoon at the Alliant Energy PowerHouse. The Wolverines rallied from an early 9-2 deficit in the third set to stop No. 3 Western Christian, 25-16, 25-17, 25-22.

The championship is the 15th for DNH/Dike program. The Wolverines and Western have combined for each of the last 12 2A titles.

There’s probably no end in the near future for the DNH dominance. Top players Payton Petersen (the 2A all-tournament captain) and Jadyn Petersen (also all-tournament) are sophomores.

The Wolverines’ only match loss this season was against 5A state qualifier Iowa City Liberty. They posted a 118-6 sets record against an extremely challenging schedule.

» Photo gallery: Dike-New Hartford vs. Western Christian in Class 2A state volleyball championship

So a 9-2 deficit wasn’t cause for alarm.

“My passing wasn’t helping us,” Payton Petersen said. “I just had to stay calm and collected, and find a little more energy.”

The Wolverines turned it around in a hurry. They got all square with the Wolfpack (40-6) at 12-12, took the lead on Jadyn Petersen’s block and led the rest of the way.

Both Petersens collected 13 kills. Junior setter Madelyn Norton (32 assists) also made the honor team, which also consisted of Stella Winterfeld of Western Christian, Claudia Aschenbrenner of Osage, Kiersten Schmitt of Beckman and Reese Johnson of Denver.

Comments: jeff.linder@thegazette.com