Western Christian keeps West Delaware out of rhythm in 3A state volleyball semifinal sweep

CORALVILLE — There is a lot to be said about being familiar with an opponent.

For Western Christian Coach Tammi Veerbeek, the best thing about playing West Delaware in the Class 3A semifinal round of the state volleyball tournament was all about geography and a lack of familiarity.

“(On Tuesday), it was an emotional match because of the location of the two schools,” she said of the Wolfpack’s epic five-set win over neighboring Sioux Center. “Today, there was just a sense of calm. That's nothing against West Delaware, they are a good team. But I could just feel it, that we were going to play really well today.”

Veerbeek's feeling was right on. No. 2 Western Christian (33-13) was in control from the jump, rolling to a 25-21, 25-21, 25-14 victory on Wednesday at Xtream Arena, earning yet another trip to a state championship match.

Western Christian will be in search of its third straight title, meeting top-ranked Mount Vernon on Thursday at 2:30 p.m. in the final. The Mustangs advanced with a straight-set win over Dubuque Wahlert.

No. 3 West Delaware (39-7) could never get a consistent attack going on Wednesday.

“We just weren't able to get into any kind of a rhythm,” said Hawks Coach Brett Mather. “Our defense really wasn't doing a whole lot, but the reality is that we played too much defense and not enough offense. We were doing things on offense that we just haven't done all season long.”

For Hawks junior libero Maleigha Hildebrand, the effort and desire was there. It was the execution that failed.

“In the back row, I wanted to dig them up so bad,” she said. “It was like they kept going around us and were scoring almost every single time.”

Scarlett Winterfeld was one of three Wolfpack players with double-digit kill totals. She had 14, Sidney Bilek had 12 and Morgan Kooiman added 11. Hannah Cantwell led West Delaware with nine kills.

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Photos: Western Christian vs. West Delaware in Class 3A state volleyball semifinals

The underdog role is a relatively new one for Western Christian, which is seeking the 21st state title in school history. Veerbeek's teams were not the favorite in 2022 against Dike-New Hartford or last year against Mount Vernon, yet both came away with state titles.

“Mount Vernon has been tabbed as maybe one of the best teams in all five classes,” she said. “I can tell these girls that we weren't supposed to win the last two years, but we did.

“We were the underdog the last two years, but we are going to have to play well (to beat Mount Vernon). That team is very, very tough, but as a coach I'm just pleased my girls get the chance to play that last game.”