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>> It's time for state championship volleyball from Xtream Arena in Coralville.

Iowa PBS is proud to bring you the Iowa girls high school athletic Union state volleyball championship.

We move on to class 2A, as the top-seeded Denver cyclones take on the second-seeded rockets of Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont.

Again to everyone.

With Kathy, DJ shaven.

Here we go, Kathy.

These two teams have been on a collision course all week, and he would go into the title match.

>> Kathy: they're just athletes.

This is what you expect at least it tournament.

We got the best of the best tonight for 2A.

It is going to be fun.

>> BJ: as we look at these two teams and their resumes, first off for the rockets, they have had an impressive season today --To date --All leading up to Coralville here.

Their second trip to state, third overall.

In succession.

They're on a 27-match winning streak.

They have got some sensational seniors.

They're twins, the SCHAEFERs are going to be going on to play Northern Iowa.

can absolutely swing, and Kate can pass the ball with some great efficiency.

Meanwhile, for the Denver cyclones, their fifth overall trip to state, returned five starters from a team, last year, that fell to Hartford in the semi finals, and they, too, have some outstanding players, Junior, Johnson, top center in of class 2A, and how about the million twins, Bailey and grace.

They can really knock it down up top.

It's time now to turn it over to the public address announcer, Rex Baker, to introduce you to the teams.

>> Announcer: Ladies and me, the Iowa Golden Pike of distinction award is given annually to an Iowa coach who had immigrated a successful career, or making notable contributions towards school, community and the coaching profession.

Presenting this year's Golden Globe Award is executive director for IGHSU been Van Wyk.

The recipient of this year's Golden Globe Award in volleyball is Todd Troutman from Beckman Catholic in Dyersville.

Todd has taught and coached at Beckman Catholic since 1985, and has been the school's athletic director since 1997.

He began his coaching career leading the track and basketball teams, and a year later, began coaching the volleyball squad.

His volleyball teams have reached the state tournament eight times.

Runner-up finishes in 2001 and 2019.

He collected his 700th career victory on the season, guiding the Blazers to the class 2A semi finals.

He has also served on the IGHSU athletic advisory committee and the Iowa girls all-state selection committee.

Todd and his wife Andrea have four children and three grandchildren.

Ladies and gentlemen, the 2024 volleyball golden black of distinction from Beckman Catholic, Todd Troutman.

Congratulations.

>> BJ: what an honor.

Now, as we look at the class 2A tournament appearance, how did we get here?

Denver, victorious over board and whole in the opener 3-0, then they took care of Hartford, 18 that they had not been able to solve, in fact, lost to Hartford during the regular season.

They sweep the semi finals to get the championship.

meanwhile, for Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont, 3-0 win over Iowa city.

In the opener, Regina was tested against Beckman Catholic, but revealed in 4, 3-1 as they moved to the championship match here.

Let's tell you a little bit about what's happening in Coralville.

You may notice a lot of pink outside of Xtream Arena.

It's part of a great partnership between the goals athletic Union and the Iowa city area sports commission, who does an awesome job of painting Coralville pink for the girls high school state volleyball tournament.

It's been a fun week, being capped off, and if this intro doesn't get you jacked up, the players, full of adrenaline, as they're ready to enter the arena.

>> Kathy: it is just such a spectacular environment.

Really is.

>> Announcer: Now, please welcome the Denver cyclones!

>> Announcer: Now time to introduce the players and coaches in tonight's championship matchup.

First, for the Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont rockets, starters and assistant coaches.

2, Kinley Lobberecht.

Number 7, Morgan Ray.

Number 9, Gracie long.

Number 13, Attie Lobberecht.

Number 14, Layni Burch.

The assistant coaches are Robin Taylor, Tori Alexander, and Kylie Lobberecht.

Now, let's meet to starters for the rockets.

6'0" Senior, number 1, Shafer.

6'1" Senior, number 32, Chloe Lyon.

6'0" Senior, number 8, Ella Ray 5'9" sophomore, number 10, Lanie Batterson.

6'0" Senior, number 11, Kate Shafer.

5'7" Jr. number 12, Lacey Taylor.

And the Libero, 5'6" senior, number 16, Kaylee Helm.

Head coach for the rockets, Gladys Genskow.

Now, let's meet me Denver Cycloes.

First, nonstarters and assistant coaches.

Number 2, MacKenzie Simmons.

Number 5, MacKenzie McEwan.

Number 6, Riley Akerson.

Number 7, Mollie Tierney.

Number 10, Madeline Hildebrandt.

Number 11, Lexie Benham.

Number 20, Ava Mcpherson.

And number 23, Hailey Wilson.

The assistant coaches are Paul Gable and Megan knew.

Now, let's meet the starters for the Cycloes.

511 inch Junior, number 1, Channing Johnson.

5'10" senior, number 8, Myia Rosecrans.

511 inch Junior, number 12, Bailey Mullihan.

5'8" inch freshman, number 14, Adina Burch.

511 inch Junior, number 17, and Grace Mullihan.

6'1" Junior, number 18, Mylee Thurm.

Libero, 5'7" Senior, Alayna Akers.

Head coach for the Cycloes, Jamie Johnson.

Ladies and gentlemen, our officials for this evening's match, as assigned by the Iowa girls high school athletic Union, your first referee, Darrell Meyer, your second referee, Joe Van Ess.

I will girls high school athletic union promotes good horsemanship by participants, coaches and spectators.

We request your cooperation by supporting the participants, officials and spectators in a positive manner.

Profanity, racial, sexist or abusive comments or intimidating axis directed at officials, participants, coaches, team representatives, or event personnel will not be tolerated and are grounds for removal.

We thank you for your cooperation and invite you to enjoy the match.

Ladies and gentlemen, it is time for state championship volleyball!

>> BJ: all right.

What an atmosphere.

It is Denver taking on Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont for the class 2A state title.

Kathy, as we look at these two squads, the keys to this match, what does Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont need to do?

>> Kathy: they're so dependent on Shafer, 40 killed yesterday.

I would like to see them diversify a little bit.

Such a good blocking team.

If that is what they set up on them, that can be very frustrating for them.

>> BJ: how about for the Cycloes?

>> Kathy: oh, my gosh, I think they want to control the net.

they have been number one.

I think they hold the crown.

You have had the experience, fifth-year here, finish the deal, and act like it when you step on the court.

>> BJ: the rockets haven't lost since September 14th, to Bishop Elam.

Of the loss on the season was the Indian open.

Meanwhile, Denver hasn't lost a set for quite a while.

In fact, you have to go back to mid October, last time that they lost a set.

>> Kathy: then coming up to see how they will respond if they drop a set tonight.

That is kind of a tough position to be in, but it does give you supreme confidence too.

>> BJ: The lineups are set, Joe tran 23, referee number two on the floor, gives us the okay.

Darrell Myers says, let's play some volleyball.

And it will be Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont, the rockets, 36-2 on the year with the serve, and to get us started, Lacey Taylor, the junior.

Ms. ball, going to be put up Ray will push it to the front to Shafer.

Block, out!

And the rockets start with a 2A match's first point.

>> Kathy: Not like you don't know where the ball will go for Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont.

Shafer wipes it right off the block.

she is a very good hitter.

>> BJ: Right away on the counterattack, the Denver Cycloes get a counterattack.

>> Kathy: That was barely off the top of the net.

I was surprised on that.

>> BJ: Back to the middle, and a kill.

The Hammarby Shafer.

>> Kathy: One thing I thought was nice for their offense, they had to diversify.

That will keep the blockers more honest.

>> BJ: Kaylee Helm, three-year starter Libero for the rockets.

And the Cycloes answer right back with Mullihan hitting.

443 on the season, connect on that one timer.

Now, Denver, with Madeline Hildebrandt, 5'8" Junior.

Rockets will play it up, out of the back in time.

How about that?

Oh, my!

>> Kathy: Beautiful, beautiful backwards pass.

Wasn't it?

People aren't aware, you have to take off behind the 10 foot line, but you can set it way in front of that line.

So, with these could then have such great verticals, almost like you are only hitting 3 feet off the net.

>> BJ: Three kills already for Molly Shafer.

Shot, handled, Shafer goes back for her sister.

The bank is open.

Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont came into the match 36-2.

Wondering about if they got any nerves, folks, they have been qualifying for every state tournament.

Whether it is basketball, of course, here, in volleyball, softball, they had a deep run.

They're used to this type of environment.

>> Kathy: They have played a quality schedule as well.

Only lost to state tournament teams.

They are up there this week.

Nobody has had an easy schedule this year.

>> BJ: Pittsburgh, getting a much-needed side out there.

Riley Akerson will be on the serve.

And it's an ace!

>> Kathy: Smart, the coach, asking them to serve at Shafer to try to get her out of system just a little bit.

>> BJ: 48 aces now for Anderson.

Block, put on by Denver!

>> Kathy: They waited for Shafer to come out of the back court after seeing the ball great block.

>> BJ: So, we have a lead change here.

The block for Mylee Thurm.

Shafer, to her sister, underneath for Denver.

Put it up, and down, Johnson.

The chicanery of the center.

6-4 now, Cycloes gaining some momentum now.

>> Kathy: That was such an opportune time for that.

Good piece of defense, really honest with an aggressive set her -- Setter.

>> BJ: Service error.

So, Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont had a nice, long run.

Two sets dropped during the postseason, now back-to-back service errors by each team put this 1 and 7-5.

>> Kathy: Let's talk about cardinal sins.

Never miss a timeout, bouncer, and never miss a serve after your opponent just missed one.

>> BJ: Denver, their largest lead of the set, 3.

Johnson can certainly pass it well.

That time, a service error.

They will serve it aggressively, 90 one% serve efficiency on the season for the Denver Cycloes.

>> Kathy: You know, as tough as they service, as aggressive Avenue --As both of these teams are, they are going for a high percentage, even though they are hitting these servers.

>> BJ: Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont, on the serve with Lenny Burch.

Side out to the Cycloes.

Boy, Channing Johnson is starting to dial it up with passing tonight.

>> Kathy: Such a clever one to go to, keeps the defense guessing.

She runs such a vast offense, a tribute to her passers in the backcourt.

>> BJ: Here is Bailey Mullihan.

Battle at the net.

Going to be won by Mylee Thurm!

Listed at 6'1", this Junior can get up.

>> Kathy: It is funny with these set of identical twins on both teams.

Wait, what is Molly Shafer doing up there blocking?

>> BJ: Johnson, over the middle to Thurm.

This time, handled by the rockets.

Johnson, to the outside, cutter, not happening.

Great rally behind the ball by Denver.

Shafer, to the middle, free ball opportunity now for the Cycloes.

Johnson, to the middle, Thurm, big hammer, and it pays off!

>> BJ: Such a fast offense, Channing Johnson.

Just so fast.

>> BJ: Again, with Mullihan on the serve, this time, an error.

So, Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont, able to get the early lead, got up by two, then surpassed.

By Denver.

Now, a service error on the Rockets.

>> Kathy: Might be a little nervous.

You think?

>> BJ: Now, it is settling in.

Primetime, lights are on.

Playing at Centre Court.

Here is Alayna Akers.

Shafer, back row attack, how about that?

Molly Shafer, second of this game coming into the tunnel match with 623 kills.

>> Kathy: She already has five in this set.

Absolutely amazing.

Have to wonder how the backcourt attack is so effective.

Different angle coming over it.

>> BJ: Shafer will play forward, bump over.

Johnson, to the middle.

How about the snap?

>> Kathy: They do not have an answer right now for both sides of the net for Grace Mullihan to the middle.

>> BJ: Grace, coming off of the semi finals with 17 kills.

Johnson will track it down.

Free ball for Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont now.

And a big block!

Channing Johnson, hello.

Denver, today the largest lead in the set at 6.

Now, Myia Rosecrans.

Big swing, great effort.

>> Kathy: I thought the setter was going to don't there.

>> BJ: Blocked back by Molly Shafer.

>> Kathy: So smart to dump that ball, because they were all running off the court.

>> BJ: Right there, maybe you can see it without net cam, the tussle in the middle.

Denver -- Channing Johnson is running at full efficiency early on.

Watch this.

Able to find Grace Mullihan there on the kill.

>> Kathy: Oh, great try.

Kate Shafer, great effort trying to ball back in.

>> BJ: Timeout, going to be taken by Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont.

16-9, your score, in the opening set.

Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont, taking the timeout.

What is she going through in the huddle?

>> Kathy: Always interested in what coaches do.

I was never a emotional coach.

Let's see, are you giving them something concrete to work with, a side out play to run off for a setter, or change up the serve received?

If you are Denver, you will say, let's stay aggressive, and we will reduce the errors on our side of the net.

>> BJ: This Denver cycling club, 46-3 into the title match, going for their first ever state title in any sport for girls.

They actually got a escort out of town, came so close in soccer to finishing as a runner-up, and now, trying to win it in volleyball.

>> Kathy: They want to make them back, so, I think that was a difference maybe.

There is nothing like a small school and community rallied around the school.

>> BJ: Here's the plate up, out of the timeout.

Molly Shafer, going to get the side out.

>> Kathy: Bobby Peterson, you are getting a good hitter up there, she will be fun to watch in the next couple of years.

>> BJ: First-year varsity senior who has had a huge impact on that service line for the Rockets, Madeline Hildebrandt.

That hit the antenna.

It will be side out, Denver.

>> Kathy: Most teams use their outside the most, and that is one of the few times we have seen Denver go to the outside.

Because, so far, their middles have been unstoppable.

>> BJ: The ball, played just over.

Johnson, the pass, good did out of the back by Akers.

Mullihan.

That is going to be blocked, but out.

>> Kathy: I wondered if there was a touch on that, but I didn't think it was going across the net, but the way it touched itself, another one picked up.

>> BJ: Johnson, the big swing on the outside.

Able to dial it up, as Lacey Taylor gets into the action.

Beg your pardon, Bailey Mullihan.

>> Kathy: Interesting enough, on the outside, they had a single block.

double-blocking the middles.

Good read on that little shot.

>> BJ: Out of the back, Shafer.

Denver --This is going to be a big point.

And Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont will take it.

>> Kathy: Nice job in the middle, giving your team a little extra support, Lyon.

Very nice.

Both teams are playing some tremendous difference right now.

>> BJ: Now, will sub out.

Coming in to serve for the Rockets now, with Bailey Mullihan, and Johnson to the middle.

Thurm --You know --The Rockets have had trouble finding Thurm in her attacks.

>> Kathy: That was a great tip placement.

You know, how do you keep beating that?

They have got a lot of hitters.

Never keep them happy long.

>> BJ: Back row attack, Shafer a little too strong.

And the largest lead here now by Denver.

>> Kathy: Just kind of crept up there.

This matter has been so competitive, doesn't seem like that should be the score right now, other than some struggles.

>> BJ: Shafer puts it up to the outside.

Down the line, gets in for Lacey Taylor.

>> Kathy: Very, very nice job by Lacey Taylor.

Needed that.

She put a strike down the line.

>> BJ: Now, Kate Shafer to serve.

>> Kathy: Great corner serve.

>> BJ: Battle at the net, won by Denver!

And the Cycloes, the freshman checks in for the kill, Adeana Murch.

>> Kathy: Feels great to have a youngster there.

>> BJ: The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont final timeout in the opening set.

21-13.

It is the opener for class 2A.

What go to the Denver huddle and hear from head coach Jimmy Johnson.

>> We are finding a huge whole in the block.

That was so good.

In the adjustment, they need to talk about.

Let's go.

>> Let's go!

>> All right.

Hey, deep breath in, and out.

Foot on the gas, let's go.

Cycloes, one, two, three.

>> Kathy: Stick with basics, continue what they're doing at the net, and on defense, picking up a lot of just a different kind of shots.

Backcourt attacks by Molly Shafer.

That is what is keeping Denver ahead in this matter now, I think, is the defense.

>> BJ: Out of the timeout, Denver, still on the serve with Akers.

Shafer lobs it up to the outside, and into the net went the Rockets.

So, Denver will continue on serve.

And it's an ace!

Denver leads the state in serve success and attempts, plus a couple of other categories.

It has been a dominant season for the Denver Cycloes.

Akers again.

Shafer to the outside.

Big, strong hit by Taylor.

>> Kathy: Taylor, the Junior, 5'7", she has had some really nice wins on the outside.

>> BJ: Coach Gladys Genskow telling us she is a player that just won't stop trying to get better.

How about Denver in the middle brace?

Mullihan.

>> Kathy: You have got to like a good Irish name like that.

Right?

>> BJ: We are at set, 24-14 in the opener.

And the Rockets say, not yet.

Molly Shafer, yet another kill.

She has got 7, make it 8 in the opener here.

>> Kathy: She is as good as advertised.

You knew they were probably going to finish out on the first drive right there Molly Shafer in the front court >> BJ: Back to serve, Kaylee Helm.

Right now, getting an ace.

tran04 Good adjustments there.

>> BJ: Rockets, trying to build momentum.

Set point number two.

Denver will cash it out.

>> Kathy: Great job by Channing Johnson, makes you want to do before like most setters, but instead, she took it behind.

>> BJ: That is it for the opening set.

Denver takes the opener 25-16.

More when we return.

You are watching the state championship's on Iowa PBS.

> >> Set one is in the books.

Denver takes it 25-16.

You are watching class 2A state championship on Iowa PBS.

With Kathy, what are you seeing from the opening set?

>> Kathy: The offense, killing efficiency, over.

500 for Denver.

I don't know how you stop that with such the effective attack of the middle and on side, serving so well.

>> BJ: The second set, what have got to turn around for Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont?

>> Kathy: They need to pass better on the serve.

I like how they got some of their hitters involved.

Molly Shafer will not be stopped.

>> BJ: Let's look at the first set highlights.

The Rockets got off to a quick start.

How about that opening 8 kills for Molly Shafer in the opening set?

>> Kathy: She is so good throwing it to the back corner on those hits.

>> BJ: Denver, able to get it rolling, though, Channing Johnson, passing fancy in the middle.

How about Mylee Thurm, a couple of key blocks to set the tone.

>> Kathy: You know, I think Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont has got to remember, they have been here, they have done this, they know what to do.

They're competitive, more competitive in that set than the score indicates.

>> BJ: The statistics, how about that?

Denver, hitting.

500 in that opener.

They got 3 aces as well.

12 assists.

Majority of them, Channing Johnson.

Fun atmosphere, no question, at Xtream Arena.

You may know this, you may not, but they don't switch sides, as they used in the past.

Now, they stay on one side all the way through.

>> Kathy: Post COVID.

It speeded up.

>> BJ: Myia Rosecrans will start on the server for Denver Shafer's big swing.

Johnson, to the outside, in!

Oh, how about that?

>> Kathy: First time they have swung out sideline all night.

They may want to go back to that.

>> BJ: Denver, an ace.

>> Kathy: This is not how Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont wants to start the set down 1-0.

You have got to pick your heads up, give it to Molly Shafer, let her do her thing with a side out here.

>> BJ: Rosecrans, certainly one of the best servers in the state.

High efficiency.

Roll shot, handled by Shafer, cashed in by Molly, right to her sister, Kate, and the twin sisters show you that,, and why they are headed to Cedar Falls to play for Northern Iowa.

Side out by the Rockets.

>> Kathy: Identical twin sisters as an outside hitter and et cetera that went to the University of Northern Iowa.

Kind of hard to tell them not to set their systems.

Both Libero s are doing a really nice job tonight.

>> BJ: Rockets do a nice job to tied up here at two.

They will stay on serve here when Kaylee Helm -- And right away, Channing Johnson goes hurry up, as she is able to connect with Mullihan.

>> Kathy: Johnson and Malan Hubly are the fastest quick middles I have seen all year.

That is the lowest quickset out of a lot of volleyball I have seen.

>> BJ: 6 kills for Mullihan.

Back into action.

Denver, Johnson, again, over the middle.

Big swing, and that is blocked, but out, as trying to attack, there was Bailey Mullihan.

>> Kathy: I don't know if people realize how young Denver is.

5 gets starting, returning, but more than 5 starters returning next year too.

So, they do not want to give them a championship feeling, because once you have got it, awful easy to repeat.

>> BJ: Molly Shafer says, enough, gets the side out for the Rockets.

Now, ready to serve, Kelly Robert, rather aggressively, too aggressive that time.

Service error.

>> Kathy: I was going to say, don't want to miss a serve with Molly Shafer in the front court.

Makes you rotation go too quick Keep the ball in play, give her a chance with your offense.

>> BJ: Riley Ackerson.

Ace!

Denver is certainly racking them up.

>> Kathy: Once again, they are going after Molly Shafer, trying to get her frustrated with the service.

See if it can affect her passing --Her hitting.

That time, perfect pass on the service.

>> BJ: Shafer, able to get the side out again for the Rockets.

So, Molly will drop back to serve.

Her and her sister Kate stay in the Cedar Rapids area, club volleyball.

They have had a long, major run during the off-season here.

High school ball off the swing, put together by Bailey Mullihan!

And it is going to be out.

>> Kathy: Lacey Taylor has had some great swings over there.

She is only a junior too wow.

>> BJ: Can't quite catch up to the ball.

>> Kathy: Sometimes, your coat is just saying, don't reach back trust your defense.

Don't reach back.

>> BJ: Channing Johnson will serve, a little too long.

Each team, serving rather efficiently.

>> Kathy: Sharar, trying to go deep lined, which handcuffs the passer, rising up towards their chest-shoulder areas.

>> BJ: Layni Burch will come in to serve for the Rockets.

And, to the middle.

How about the dump-down, Mylee Thurm.

>> Kathy: The coverage was there.

Generally, wherever the second block is coming from, that is the direction you want to tip the ball on the court, but clearly, did, Swift hips.

Not easy to do.

>> BJ: Out of the back row attack, Molly Shafer.

>> Kathy: I like to see Mullihan and Thurm get some blocks up on Molly Shafer's back court attacks.

I think they can get some touches on them.

>> BJ: Here is Kate Shafer.

Thurm gave it a big swing.

Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont -- >> Kathy: Hit the net a little bit on the return.

>> BJ: Hit the net.

Two-point advantage for Denver here.

Put up by Ray.

Taken by Shafer.

Here is Denver.

Mullihan, played right back.

Free opportunity, back row attack again.

>> Kathy: Beautiful set.

Beautiful set.

That is from years of playing with your sister.

Back sent, backcourt attack, perfectly placed ball.

Well done, Kate Shafer.

>> BJ: Molly Shafer, having a night tonight, already a double-double, 14 killed, 10 days --Digs for Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont.

How about the block by Ellen Ray?

And we are tied at 9.

Johnson, to the middle.

This time, Grace Mullihan.

Side out, Denver.

>> Kathy: You can see a perfect delivery to come in on that quick attack.

That is good passing, quick off the serve.

>> BJ: Ray, able to get that through.

Ray, very interesting story, qualified for five state meets in her career.

Volleyball, on a state basketball team, qualified for track, state meet for shotput and softball, please third base last year for wrestling.

>> Kathy: Way to go, Ella >> BJ: Denver, able to get the side out.

>> Kathy: Not happy with a couple of nets she has hit.

>> BJ: Now, Madeline Hildebrandt, the 5'8" Junior.

Shafer, out of the back, great.

>> Kathy: Lena Akers, my goodness, she just reads everything so well.

>> BJ: Nip and tuck for the Rockets and Cycloes.

>> Kathy: They started down at the beginning, I thought, some team will cash in on that, and they just shrug it off, kept fighting back.

>> BJ: Pressure, too strong.

Denver, holding the lead here.

Now, the Cycloes, serving with Ackerson.

You giveth, you taketh, but both teams serving aggressively in the second set, so it seems like it is evening out.

Johnson, trying to go with the tip dump, that will be elbowed out of the back.

Shafer.

Johnson, Mullihan.

>> Kathy: Pushed Malan from the middle.

Really, the only look for her so far in this match.

Went straight down cross-action Nice spot, Mullihan, to get to that position.

>> BJ: Denver jumped out to a 2-0 lead.

This has been tied five times.

The Cycloes have yet to give up the lead.

Shafer, still remain in play.

Now, the dump back, and Shafer!

>> Kathy: That is a hard dump for the setter, dumped back into the left-court.

>> BJ: Burch, again.

Into the middle.

>> Kathy: Good coverage.

>> BJ: Punch out, and how about this?

Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont, with their first lead in the second set.

>> Kathy: Now, they could put a couple points together, get some confidence.

>> BJ: Shafer, trying to work hard and it pays off.

Thurm could not get square with the ball here, as Shafer continues to pound it.

>> Kathy: It is the setter pounding it.

>> BJ: And a service error.

>> Kathy: Don't give them the freebies, Eddyville.

>> BJ: Bailey Mullihan.

5 kills, 4 digs so far.

Free ball for Denver.

Johnson, to Thurm.

We are tied again at 15.

It will be an ace!

Denver reclaims the lead!

>> Kathy: Would be surprised if Kate Shafer takes it herself here, but the Libero for Denver, Akers, really keyed in on her, watching her hands.

>> BJ: Back row attack, Shafer.

Johnson, to the outside.

>> Kathy: Nice defense.

>> BJ: Kaylee Helm.

And Denver -- >> Kathy: We saw that she would play that, the freshman, and have got Akers calling her off.

That is what a great teammate does.

>> BJ: Service error.

Back to the one-point set.

Shafer, as you mentioned, a tremendous swing, but the best passer on her team.

Coach Genskow said, because of graduation class from previous years, forced to become the setter this year for the team.

What a dynamic season she has had passing.

Pays off there, as the Rockets get the side out.

Lacey Taylor.

>> Kathy: Quietly putting together a great match today.

She has really come through with the hits.

Not the number of hits we have seen from others, but really timely ones.

>> BJ: Tied at 17.

>> Kathy: Nice help back there.

>> BJ: Knocked down, the Rockets of Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont will take the lead here, 18-17. up, out of the back, Kate Shafer passing forward.

System ball here for Denver.

>> Kathy: Nice UPSON by Molly Shafer.

>> BJ: Gray will lead it over to the middle, Johnson -- Thurm!

>> Kathy: Thurm has done a really nice job with those tips.

Once again, middle of the court, where you think it might not be open, but such a soft touch.

Either that or hit the ground, point after.

>> BJ: How about that killed by Lacey Taylor?

>> Kathy: Perfect delivery by Kate.

Lacey comes up with another timely hit.

>> BJ: Rockets, trying to type up this overall match, when that one hit -- Denver, able to play through it and get the side out.

>> Kathy: Denver has been quite good at finding the whole here.

>> BJ: Denver, serving with Myia Rosecrans.

Mullihan, big swing, handled for Fremont, but Denver will get the end.

Malan, another kill.

Timeout, going to be taken by the Rockets.

>> Kathy: Still, anyone's set here.

Both teams, battling Libero-by-point.

If you are Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont, you have got to pick of the first set.

>> BJ: The first volleyball edition of their future championship winning series, happening here, led by six for city high school coaches from around the state.

The clinic is aimed at giving middle school girls a taste of the state tournament experience.

Capped at the first 100 graduate students.

Guess what, Kathy?

It sold out in eight minutes.

>> Kathy: That is amazing.

I didn't know they did that.

How fun for those young girls?

>> BJ: Taylor Swift concert took longer to sell out than that.

That is amazing.

>> Kathy: I give the girls' athletic union credit, because they always coming up with new, innovative ideas to promote their sport.

>> BJ: Here is Myia Rosecrans, leads the state with serve success on the season and attempts.

Has been very efficient.

Denver, to the outside.

Big swing by the freshman.

Johnson, to the middle.

Mullihan's attempt, handled.

Shafer, back to her sister, the long momentum points here, building.

Ray will put it up.

Shafer, blocked.

Denver, saying they didn't touch it, thinking it hit the net.

Now, Channing Johnson will talk to Darrell Meyer, saying, did that hit the net.

He said, he saw a touch.

High school volleyball, even though we have the great cameras here from the I would DBs catching everything, no replay challenge.

Off of what you see.

Big swing, put down by Murch.

Let's take a look at that play.

Did it hit the net or fingers?

You decide.

>> Kathy: First of all, she was illegally under the net, her entire foot.

They shouldn't have got that point, regardless.

>> BJ: Serve from Hildebrandt, too strong.

Tied at 21.

What a second set here.

Denver, putting one on Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont in the opening set.

>> Kathy: I would be curious what our service misses work for the set compared to service aces.

>> BJ: Another service error.

Denver, dropping back to serve now.

Grace Mullihan will serve.

Johnson, to the outside.

Shot by Mullihan.

Johnson, great dish, but guess what?

>> Kathy: That ball was too low for her to tip.

Always told our setters, never tipped after it has been tipped.

>> BJ: Tied at 22.

Molly Shafer will serve now.

>> Kathy: That is a good set.

>> BJ: Mullihan, too strong, and the Rockets go up by one down the stretch here.

And a timeout, going to be taken by Denver.

They took the opener, and here, in the second set, the Rockets.

>> We are feeling good about that?

Yes, girls.

You are good.

You are a jellyfish today, Bailey.

All right.

Let's go!

Hey, who wants it?

Let's do that!

Deep breath in, side out.

One, two, three.

>> Kathy: Kind of hard to hear what she was saying in there.

Got the rotation you want, found that Shafer in the back court, so you know she will swing to them.

You have got the first chance here, first swing, let's see it go to Mullihan, come in quick over the middle for that pass.

>> BJ: Johnson.

>> Kathy: Quick to the middle.

>> BJ: Shafer, quick tab.

Johnson, outside, Mullihan.

Shot, up --Tied at 23.

>> Kathy: Nice job putting that ball inside the block.

>> BJ: Now, Channing Johnson to serve.

>> Kathy: Got a free ball.

>> BJ: Mullihan, shot, face off.

>> Kathy: She is elite this year with kills.

Has been kind of quiet.

That is what you are seeing from top juniors to step up.

>> BJ: Timeout, going to be taken here by Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont.

Mullihan, seven kills.

For Denver, Thurm, leading Denver with 8.

Relive the championship excitement.

Share these moments with your family, friends, neighbors, visit Iowa PBS.

org for archives of championship games and eight time.

State championships, already decided, Pleasant Valley winning the 5A title, besting the walkie Northwest.

Bishop Elam, past Northwest Iowa for 4A.

Melbourne, besting Western Christian in the 3A title.

Denver has a set lead on Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont in the 2A title.

The championship tonight at 7:00, 1A, primetime with BCLUW and Ankeny Christian.

Trying to launch that with Taylor --The block!

How about that?

Denver comes storming back in the second set!

25-23.

We'll have the third set when we return, as you are watching the class 2A state championship , here, on Iowa PBS.

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>> BJ: Denver, a two sets to none lead on Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont.

You can see the throne, the court, the champions, and that is what everyone team wants to do, get their picture right there.

>> Kathy: They borrowed it from my house.

I keep that on my front porch.

>> BJ: With Kathy Preston, I am DJ -- That second set is what we expected.

How was Denver able to come from behind and win late?

>> Kathy: I think they did a better job serving.

Six service aces, and, you know , they just kept Eddyville a little bit more off-balance.

That is what you expect, but now you are down 0-to this, psychologically, that is tough.

>> BJ: Let's take a look at the second set highlights here, as it was competitive throughout.

Things got going with the big swings by the Rockets.

Out of the back row attack, Molly Shafer has been living there today.

An outstanding start for her, Shafer, 15 kills, 14 minutes.

However, Denver, they're passing fancy with Johnson funding Mullihan.

And Company.

The other Mullihan, able to get it going, and what a set for Denver, as we take a look at the statistics, coach.

>> Kathy: Hitting efficiency was much more even for both teams.

6 aces for the Cycloes compared to 1 for the Rockets, and I know what Eddyville are trying to do.

They have to decide if you're going for aces or keep the ball in play.

>> BJ: Here we go.

We are going to start the second set with the Rockets on serve, and Lacey Taylor.

The third set, underway.

Back row attack by Mullihan pays off.

>> Kathy: We haven't seen that nearly as much from Denver.

>> BJ: They have shown it in their arsenal, trying to go for their school's first-ever state championship.

>> Kathy: That is a nice one.

>> BJ: And a side out for the Rockets.

Guess who?

>> Kathy: You know, but they brought her in on a stack, behind, coming in quick.

it just gives a different look for the defense of blockers and defensive players.

>> BJ: Now, Kaylee Helm.

>> Kathy: Wow.

>> BJ: Answered right back, Grace Mullihan.

>> Kathy: Look at this pass off the service.

Looked like a coach tossing it up, the free ball offense.

>> BJ: Side out, Denver.

Grace Mullihan, 11 kills now.

Big swing by Shafer, and he goes out on the block.

We're tied at two.

>> Kathy: They had their hands back into the blocker, but that is a dynamic split to get it that far off -- >> BJ: Just in, the serve, Morgan Ray the freshman, and it is a service error for Ray.

>> Kathy: No one feels worse than the server that has missed a serve.

Has got to go back with some confidence and say, I have got this.

>> BJ: Off the elbow, battle at the net.

we will see -- >> BJ: 4-2, Denver with the advantage.

Ackerson to serve.

Back pass, off the slide, it will pay off, as the Rockets will get a side out.

>> Kathy: Molly Shafer is fun to watch.

She can run any play, she can do the slide or the flip just such a versatile athlete.

>> BJ: Second in the state, 623 kills.

That on his loose here so far today.

Mullihan.

>> Kathy: Good hands on the block.

>> BJ: Johnson, trying to go for a quick dump.

Johnson, right back to Mullihan.

Effective.

>> Kathy: That is the first time we have seen them go to the off-blocker tip.

Very effective.

Just keep changing up what you are doing, hitters.

Can't keep hounding inside the block or hitting the line.

That is what Denver is doing so well, keep changing up their shots.

>> BJ: Back row attack, Shafer.

Molly Shafer.

Wow.

>> Kathy: No more words.

>> BJ: 18 kills, now make it 19 on the day.

And another service error.

The Rockets.

Back to the bench, Kaylee Helm will check back in Mullihan just did not have the proper footing.

Service error.

A lot of energy.

>> Kathy: Usually really good about letting the ball drop to the ground for the re-serve.

I don't even know how you would let it drop with jump serves anymore.

Too difficult >> BJ: Shafer, outside, big cut .

Up, out of the back row, that is an attack error.

We are tied at 6.

>> Kathy: MacKenzie McEwan, really nice job dancing around that.

Hitters were not able to keep it in play.

Once again, perfect pass >> BJ: Thurm, big swing.

>> Kathy: The offense she can terminate -- >> BJ: Johnson, to the middle, Thurm.

You are right.

"The Terminator" >> Kathy: Free ball offense, those are free points.

Better run everybody past them to get a kill on it that was a triple-block.

>> BJ: Great vision, but a great stop by Akers her to the outside, Taylor gets the kill.

And the Rockets have tied this one up at 7-7.

>> Kathy: Kudos to the coaching staff and Eddyville-Blakesburg.

They're running a really nice offense, different spots on the net, really pretty offense.

Nice up.

>> BJ: Taylor, with that, outside, Shafer.

>> Kathy: File different energy on this side.

I think Eddyville-Blakesburg might be taking this third set.

>> BJ: Molly Shafer was inside of that hurdle, telling them, I am ready.

20 kills now from Molly Shafer.

Here is Ray.

Back in deep, kill shot, put down by Burch -- Murch, the freshman to tie this up at 8-8.

>> Kathy: Good job by HALEY come, most of them at DB, but not this time.

Oh, boy, can't play that one over.

>> BJ: Shafer, 21 kills now.

>> Kathy: When she had 41 last night, all I could think about it was we were playing no side out game anymore.

Playing a rally, scoring --She could have 80 kills in the match.

Not too low on that set.

>> BJ: Attack error by the Rockets.

Their largest lead of the entire match, 2.

Helm, again.

Murch, a shot.

Shafer, with the hustle, but just not a good pass.

Side out, Denver.

>> Kathy: The double-team on that --Set --But awful hard to run forward and accurately set the ball.

When you are running that fast, that far forward, tough job by the setter.

>> BJ: Free ball here for Denver.

Johnson, to the outside.

>> Kathy: Nice up.

>> BJ: The up for Lacey Mullihan.

Shafer, too strong.

Tied at 10.

>> Kathy: You cannot fault the back court for the Rockets.

They bring up everything.

They really worked hard back there.

>> BJ: To the outside, big swing and kill.

Molly Shafer.

Side out, Rockets.

Back in to serve, Lobberecht.

>> Kathy: There you go.

>> BJ: Big feed, floater out there by Bailey Mullihan.

We're tied at 11.

>> Kathy: So nice to have such good lines people working the state tournament, from the top officials in the state, but it is not easy to call lines.

>> BJ: That one was rather easy for Molly Shafer.

>> Kathy: They are all easy for Molly Shafer.

>> BJ: Oh, 11th side out.

>> Kathy: Not like they are just setting them high outside, sitting on the side, coming in the middle, she is hitting all over the net.

I love the versatility of her.

>> BJ: Big swing, and no touch.

The Rockets garner the point, go back up by 2 again.

>> Kathy: We have not seen Denver go back to Mullihan as much on the quick attacks in the middle that we saw earlier in the first set.

>> BJ: Opportunity, brewing for the Rockets again.

To the outside, Lacey.

Lacey Taylor, and this is the largest lead of the match for Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont.

Let's go inside of the Denver huddle after they called the timeout.

>> We are in good position -- Coming back for a while.

All right?

>> Yes.

Yes.

>> You can do this.

Believe in each other.

Talk, communicate more, take a deep breath.

Great header.

>> All right.

>> Deep breath in, side out.

One, two, three.

>> Side out.

>> Kathy: Think that is more of a confidence timeout, don't you?

Thinking it is strategy there, want her hitters to chill out a little bit here with a couple of errors now.

That is not like them.

I would like to see them go back to quick attacks in the middle, and keep changing up.

My heavens, they have been so successful at their chips and goal shots, a finesse hitting team.

Go back to it.

>> BJ: Molly Shafer, ready to serve again.

Mullihan, quick tip.

Shafer, back on attack to her sister, it's in.

Wow, the Rockets have woken up to a four-point advantage.

>> Kathy: When she landed, she had to get off the net.

That is how forward she is coming up.

There is that quick in the middle.

Eddyville-Blakesburg has not slowed that attack down all night.

Go back to it, feed it, feed it, feed it in the middle.

>> BJ: Now, Channing Johnson.

Battle at the net, and this goes down in a hurry, for Denver.

This time, Myia Rosecrans.

>> Kathy: A lefty over there, I would like to see them use her a little bit over there.

Such a nice thing to have a left-handed hitter on that side.

Had a little issue with that --Apparently not.

>> BJ: Out of system ball for Denver.

Another dig.

And Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont, back up by 3 here.

Shafer will take it.

>> Kathy: Absolutely.

>> BJ: 16 digs on the night as well.

Mullihan, roll shot.

Taylor, big swing, down the line.

Back to a four-point advantage for Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont out of Southeast Iowa.

Just north of Temple.

Brought a large contingent here tonight, as has Denver.

>> Kathy: Good pursuit.

>> BJ: Mullihan can't track it down.

Now, five-point lead.

And Denver will take a timeout here.

Boy, their backs are getting pushed against the wall.

Let's go inside of that Denver huddle with Head Coach Johnson.

>> They are the ones who should be more nervous.

Right?

Take a deep breath.

Have two sets under your belt.

I believe you can win.

One point at a time right now.

We need to talk more, we need to attend defenders, take a good swings, ladies, you can do it.

I know you have got this.

All right, deep breath in, side out.

Let's go.

>> She gave a couple of options there.

>> BJ: Certainly did.

We appreciate coach Johnson being mic'd up.

Of course, not their decision, and coaches.

They want to be mic'd up or not -- They talk to us earlier today, Genskow, doesn't want any wire or hardware.

So -- She does not have a mic on here.

I tell you what, in her 25th season overall, 663 wins, trying to get her team to come back in the class 2A championships.

That is a side out for Denver.

>> Kathy: Really nice line shot .

Tough angle to hit.

Second time they have done it tonight, second time it was effective.

>> BJ: Mullihan to serve.

Shafer, quick dump.

>> Kathy: Left in front, got to be able to block that ball.

>> BJ: Denver --Able to get the point.

>> Kathy: Have a good setter dumping on the serve receipt, because the defense is in there.

The longer the rally goes, the more likely out of position that ball will drop.

>> BJ: Side out, Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont.

Now subbing in, Ella Ray for Lobberecht.

Dropping back to serve, Kate Shafer.

Shafer, with 35 assists so far.

And a block went awry, as Denver get the side out.

>> BJ: Shafer, to the outside, Taylor.

>> Kathy: Nice.

Nice line merge.

>> BJ: Able to drop that in the corner.

>> Kathy: You have the setters that usually release a little early, in that spot, then it is vacated and open, but they want the setter to stay back, better than leaving it open, but if it takes part of the offense -- >> BJ: MacKenzie McEwan, the hustle.

Get that point alive.

Denver.

This time, a little change up by Shafer.

>> Kathy: We are just used to her pounding it.

So nice.

>> BJ: Lacey Taylor, the serve.

Now, Denver, getting back into this, trying to E race a five-point deficit in the first half.

Claiming the school's first ever state championship in a girls sport.

They're getting closer.

An ace.

>> Kathy: Serving her tough.

>> BJ: Timeout, going to be taken by Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont.

One of the things that we see here, at the state tournament, is a players lounge, a staple of many of the Iowa girls team tournament.

Place for teams to relax, hangout, they can play games, watch the live matches as they happen, here, at Xtream Arena.

>> Kathy: They just pull out all the stops.

Just a great place to play.

>> BJ: 20-19.

This one, certainly tightening up.

>> Kathy: Big serve out of the timeout.

>> BJ: Perfect person there to be serving for Denver.

He mentioned the server efficiency for Rosecrans.

Serve success in the state is tops.

>> Kathy: Perfect pass.

>> BJ: To the outside, Shafer, big blast.

Back to again, try to go deep.

Great also by Denver.

Merge, Taylor with the up, tied this up, erased a five-point deficit.

At one point, down 18-13 in the 3rd.

Trying to sweep their way to the 2A championship.

Ace!

>> Kathy: Going to keep going at her.

They serve deep lines.

Those are the ones, think, are they going out?

So hard to fall.

>> BJ: Shot, Denver with the up.

Mullen found the opening.

>> Kathy: Out of nowhere.

That is the response you want for Denver's coach.

They were down, backs against the wall, love how they responded since the last time out.

>> BJ: Inside the Denver huddle, let's go.

>> We to be there with your finishes.

So proud of all of you.

Let's keep doing this, guys.

Let's go!

I like this.

Deep breath in, and Cycloes, one, two, three.

>> Cycloes.

>> Kathy: Big breath, let's go get it.

>> BJ: They have a team motto.

You heard coach seeing it earlier, foot on the gas.

What she has been saying to her team all season long, knowing they had a ton of talent.

They will be talented again next year.

A lot of underclassmen.

Trying for the school's first ever state title.

>> Kathy: This place would explode for fans if they get that first title.

>> BJ: The nemesis of theirs in the state tournament previous years.

In fact, during the regular season, in the semi finals, they were able to sweep the Wolverines, now, trying to close it out in the third set of the 2A championship.

Mullihan's shot, played up by Shafer.

Denver, back at it.

.

And, to the inside --That is a freshman!

>> Kathy: The jump set going up, blow it past the blockers on the outside, which I would love to see.

>> BJ: Again, on serve, Rosecrans has been there a while.

Rockets need a side out.

>> Kathy: Nice up.

>> BJ: Again, the back row, solid, doing things so well.

>> Kathy: Smart.

>> BJ: Again, block, played up opportunity now for Denver to the outside with a big point power home!

We are at championship point.

>> Kathy: Credit to Denver's frontcourt and defense behind that block they willed them selves to that point.

That ball was not going down.

>> BJ: Championship point.

>> Kathy: We know it is going.

Oh, good idea.

>> BJ: Played up, now Shafer.

Johnson, to the middle, Mullen, able to get it down !

Denver is the 2A champion!

>> BJ: So, Denver takes care of business.

Falling down by as many as five digit late, and here is the game winner again.

>> Kathy: All set up because her defense kept the ball alive on three consecutive Molly Shafer hits.

>> BJ: What a championship, as Denver brings home their school's first ever state title.

So close in soccer, now they're able to do it in volleyball, and finish this season at 47-3.

>> Kathy: That is an amazing season.

It really is.

Congrats, coaches, players, so happy for you.

Eddyville-Blakesburg, nothing to hang your heads about.

You battled >> BJ: Fantastic year for the Rockets.

Will finish at 36-3.

Time now for the postgame interviews.

>> Announcer: From Denver, Bailey Mullihan!

From Eddyville, --Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont -- Kate Shafer!

>> Announcer: From Beckman Catholic, Allie sure bring!

From Regina, Reese may!

From Denver, Channing Johnson.

>> BJ: You captain of the 2024 All-tournament team, for Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont, Molly Shafer!

>> BJ: What an all-tournament team capped off by Molly Shafer in the championship match here, 26 goals, 18 diggs, and she is your class 2A all-tournament team captain, but what a squad.

>> Kathy: I think if we were doing a recess pick them, I know I would take any of them, that is for sure.

You know, you have to have an outstanding tournament to be on the losing team, and that just shows you what it dominating player Molly Shafer was >> BJ: So, that is your all-tournament team captain by Molly Shafer.

Time now for the trophy presentation.

Turn it back over to Rex Baker.

>> Announcer: Fans, the Iowa Board of reduces would like to present the top producer award for the 2A championship match, presenting the award, Taylor Anderson of the Iowa girls high school athletic Union.

This year's top producer of the 2A championship match, from Denver, Channing Johnson!

>> BJ: Fans, introducing your class 2A runner-up, Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont and head coach Gladys Genskow.

>> Announcer: Ladies and gentlemen, your champions, go to Johnson and Denver!

>> BJ: So, there it is.

Denver, your class 2A state champs what a season.

>> Kathy: Shout-out to coach, players, staff, community pinnacle of a long season, and well deserved.

>> BJ: We have four championships in the books.

We have one remaining in prime time!

Another 1A state championship returning at 7:00.

Denver takes the title over Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont for 2A 3-0.

Up next, Ankeny Christian against BCLUW.

The comments -- Comets --At 7:00 here on Iowa PBS.

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