North Scott sweeps Glenwood, looks capable of 4A state volleyball championship repeat

CORALVILLE — North Scott came here last November and shocked unbeaten Clear Creek Amana on its way to taking the Class 4A state title.

Coach Taryn Van EarWage's team looked very capable of being able to repeat here Monday night.

The third-ranked Lancers (31-4) had little trouble rolling past No. 7 Glenwood 25-11, 25-13, 25-16, advancing to a Wednesday semifinal matchup with No. 2 Sioux City Heelan. The Crusaders advanced with a sweep of Carlisle.

“I feel like we played super clean ball from the get-go,” said North Scott senior hitter Abbey Hayes, one of four returners from last year’s title team. “In the second set, we started off a little bit slower, but came back and it was good to see that we could handle a little adversity.”

Hayes, a Creighton commit, had a big night, pounding home 11 kills in 32 attempts for a .438 hitting percentage.

“It shows that anything can happen at the state tournament,” Hayes said. “Rankings don't really mean a lot. It just comes down to who wins the last three matches of the season.”

Van EarWage was eager to see how her younger players would respond in the state tournament atmosphere. She was pleased with their performances.

“I was a little nervous to see how some of the girls who hadn't played here would perform,” she said. “They stepped up and the confidence they showed was awesome. To be back here was such a fun experience.

“It felt like our defense really kept us in this match. Our defense translated into our offense, we stayed in system and we were just able to put the ball away.”

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Photos: North Scott vs. Glenwood in Class 4A state volleyball quarterfinals

Even though Van EarWage would love to see the Lancers repeat, she was quick to point out that this was a new year.

“We try not to think that much about last season,” she said. “That was awesome, but this team has its own goals. We're a different team this year so I am really excited to see what we can accomplish.”

North Scott's next step to a possible repeat is a talented Heelan squad.

“We got to watch (Heelan) a little bit and they are tough,” Van EarWage said. “The good thing is that we get to go back home, have one more practice then come back here and compete. That is all you can ask for at this time of the year.”

McKenzie Moeller added 14 kills for the Lancers.

Charley Hernandez led the way for Coach Paula Carman’s Rams (25-16) with 10 kills.