Gladbrook-Reinbeck gets another shot at state volleyball championship

CORALVILLE — Gladbrook-Reinbeck’s road to redemption is almost complete.

The Rebels find themselves in the same position that started the current quest. They are hoping it has a better ending than the state runner-up performance in 2020.

“It’s awesome to get this opportunity again,” said Ava Wyatt, who was an all-tournament selection for the Rebels two years ago. “I know it was tough for us two seasons ago to lose in the state championship and not get there again last season.

“We’re on a revenge tour. Hopefully, we can finish it off this year.”

Fourth-ranked Gladbrook-Reinbeck extended its season, defeating No. 14 Ackley AGWSR, 25-17, 25-14, 20-25, 25-18 in the Class 1A state semifinals Wednesday night at Xtream Arena. The Rebels (34-9) will face No. 7 Ankeny Christian (38-3) for the championship Thursday at 7 p.m.

“I’m very proud of the underclassmen for stepping up,” Gladbrook-Reinbeck senior Emma McClintock said. “We have a lot this year and no one really expected us to make it this far. I’m super proud of them and our team.”

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The experience from two seasons ago should serve the Rebels well. They know what to expect with the crowd, the cameras and the energy that accompanies the finals.

“It shouldn’t faze us too much,” Wyatt said. “We’ve been here before and it’s just any other normal game. Try to go out and win as normal.”

The Rebels led throughout the first set and stormed back from a four-point deficit to start the second with a 9-3 run and never looked back, ending it on a Wyatt kill.

When Gladbrook-Reinbeck was clicking, the defense fed into the offense. Complementary play was key.

“Our defense was important tonight,” Wyatt said. “We knew their defense would be scrappy and they know where to place the ball. As long as we covered our defense and put our offense on, it was easy to take care of.”

AGWSR (19-24) qualified for the state tournament with a losing record. The Cougars opened with a quarterfinal upset of No. 2 North Tama on Tuesday. They weren’t going away quietly.

The Cougars clawed back with a 10-point run for a 13-9 lead in the third set. After the two teams exchanged points, AGWSR closed with a 6-3 run behind two kills from Brynn Smith, a kill from Ava Olson and an ace by Tessa Sperfslage to reach the fourth.

Gladbrook-Reinbeck regrouped and posted a 9-2 start to the final set, pulling away with 10 of the last 14 points.

“I think we knew we had a task to finish,” McClintock said. “That’s exactly what we did.”

Wyatt tallied a game-high 22 kills, including two in the final stretch that clinched it. She powered the Rebels attack, converting at a .267 clip.

“She’s been our go-to person most of the season but we have such a good supporting cast that things open up for her,” Gladbrook-Reinbeck Coach Paula Kelley said. “We can swing it at all different levels.

“When we’re able to use our whole offense, she’s much more productive.”

Megan Cooley added seven kills. Emma McClintock had 35 assists and four aces. Wyatt recorded two aces. They were cohesive with McClintock setting up the hitters. A trait developed by playing together since junior high.

“They have a connection that is unstoppable,” Kelley said. “They play year-long with each other. We’re definitely going to miss that for next year.”

Comments: kj.pilcher@thegazette.com