No. 1 Denver opens 2A state volleyball tournament with sweep of Boyden-Hull

CORALVILLE — Jamie Johnson called it “a little messy at times.”

Top-ranked Denver had some issues, especially behind the service line, in Tuesday’s Class 2A state volleyball quarterfinal match with No. 11 Boyden-Hull at Xtream Arena.

However, when it counted the most, the Cyclones came through with a big play. While concerned with the serving, Denver's coach was proud of her team’s resolve.

“I appreciated the fact that the girls did not get tight,” Johnson said after her team’s 25-21, 25-23, 25-21 victory. “They didn't get rattled, the kept their composure and found a way to win it.”

The Cyclones were often their own worst enemy, missing 12 serves in 73 attempts. Johnson said serving has not been an issue all season for her team.

“I don't think we've ever had a match where we have missed so many serves,” she said. “We were just not stellar behind the serving line today for whatever reason. We don't typically serve like that so I would hope we adjust better for tomorrow.”

Junior Bailey Mullihan thought the Cyclones may have actually been too amped up to play and did not adjust well to the state tournament environment.

“Honestly, I think it was probably just a little bit of nerves and I think it made us tense up,” she said. “The atmosphere was a little different than what we are used to playing with. We had to get used to the energy, the lighting and everything that goes with that.”

All three sets were tight. Boyden-Hull had its chances in each of the three. The Comets held late leads in the final two sets only to see Denver rally.

“Boyden-Hull plays against a lot of good teams in northwest Iowa,” Johnson said. “Their record is very deceiving.”

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Photos: Denver vs. Boyden-Hull in Class 2A state volleyball quarterfinals

After years of playing in the shadow of fellow North Iowa Cedar League rival Dike-New Hartford, Denver (45-3), in its fifth straight state tournament, is favored to take home the title.

“We really think this is our time,” Mullihan said. “Dike-New Hartford had such a great run of players and we learned a lot by playing against them. Now we think it is our turn.”

Mullihan and twin sister Grace led Denver with eight kills each. Alayna Akers had 13 digs. Elsie Hoegh led Boyden-Hull (19-13) with 14 kills. Jenna Vollink had 17 digs.