Waverly-Shell Rock wins emotional state volleyball semifinal over North Scott

CEDAR RAPIDS — EaVon Woodin was emotional for many reasons, both professionally and personally.

The veteran Waverly-Shell Rock volleyball coach has taken many teams to the state tournament, but they haven't won a title since 2011.

Woodin and her players now have a chance to end that drought.

The Go-Hawks got 18 kills from Avery Beckett and survived an epic back-and-forth final set to post a 25-22, 19-25, 25-17, 32-30 win over North Scott in a Class 4A semifinal on Wednesday afternoon at the Alliant Energy PowerHouse.

Woodin's team (44-7) will meet No. 1 Western Dubuque at noon Thursday in the state title match. The Bobcats advanced with a four-set win over Marion.

The victory brought tears of joy for Woodin, in her 41st year of coaching, the last 33 with the Go-Hawks.

“You know, these kids have never given up,” she said of the Go-Hawks’ effort in the fourth set. “We had one free ball where I thought (North Scott) had a chance (to win the set), but it went into the net. The volleyball gods were on our side and we got a chance to come back.

“We've come back a lot of times in many four- and five-set matches, I think all that experience we have had in those matches during the season really helped down here.”

» Photo gallery: Waverly-Shell Rock vs. North Scott in state volleyball tournament

There also were tears of sadness as she remembered her son, Curt, who died unexpectedly in June of 2020.

“It's hard for me,” she said. “I had a son who died and it is hard for me that he isn't here. He'd have been the first one to call me and I just miss him so much.”

Woodin's impact on the team is not lost on the players.

“We have so much faith in her,” said junior hitter Averi Weichers, who finished with 12 kills. “We trust her so much. She has so much experience and she knows everything. I am so grateful to be able to play for her.”

Weichers realizes not many will give the Go-Hawks a chance against Western Dubuque.

“We need to simply want it more,” she said. “Although we are the underdogs, I think that gives us an advantage. They might just overlook us.”

Ella McLaughlin led North Scott (31-5) with 18 kills. Alexis Richards added 13.