♪♪ ♪♪ >>> It is time for state championship volleyball.

Iowa PBS is at extreme arena to bring you the state volleyball championships here from the Iowa girls high school athletic union as we now move to the 4A title game.

What a matchup.

Indianola, the two-seed, taking on the fourth-seed the North Scott Lancers.

It looks like it will be another dog fight.

>> We've got two really good teams.

>> As we take a look at these two teams' resumes, let's look at North Scott.

Yesterday they knocked off Clear Creek in the semis.

They have some talent.

>> Absolutely.

One of the keys for North Scott is ride the wave.

You upset the top seed in the tournament.

Ride the wave and use your seniors.

>> For Indianola, second straight trip to state.

Tori Runyan is one of the best in all of 4A.

>> She's amazing.

That's key to this match.

You can attack the ball, keep the defense guessing and she's distributing really well.

>> Each school going for their first ever state title in volleyball.

The lights are going down.

The smoke is in the air.

Volleyball is ready to hit the court.

We need to get introduced to these two squads.

4A has been a fun field.

We'll determine a champion in just a moment.

Extreme Arena going all out for the volleyball tournament.

The downtown area loaded with pick.

>> They do such a special job making the players feel important.

Everything from phones in the players lounge.

The extreme arena puts on a show.

I'm so impressed.

>> Awaiting the introductions.

You have the hurricane smoke happening, fireworks.

>> The bulls.

>> Let's go over to Tim Fitzpatrick, the P.A.

announcer.

>> Announcer: It's championship day.

Let's welcome to the floor the North Scott Lancers.

And welcome to the floor the Indianola Indians.

[ Applause ] Fans, it's time to introduce our players for today's 4A championship match.

First of all, for the North Scott Lancers, your nonstarters.

Number 2 Taylor Oetzmann, number 3 Laina Brehmer, number 12 Sara Williams,.

Your assistant coaches Sarah Graham, Rebecca Seals and Grayson Seals.

Now here are your starters for the North Scott Lancers.

Junior number 1, Abbey Hayes, number 6 Kaci Johnson, number 10 Sydney Skarich, number 15 Emee Allard, number 16 Madison Wilshusen, number 17 Ken SI Moeller, number 5 Georgia Brunkan.

Head coach for the Lancers, Taryn VanEarwage.

[ Applause ] Now let's meet the Indianola indians.

Your nonstarters, number 3 Camryn Overton, number 5 sully Downey, number 7 Chelsea McGraw, number 10 Madison Grover, number 11 Zoey belt and number 15 Maci Wente.

Your assistant coaches Colby Kobeski, Rob Hein, Tom Longer, Chelsey Clark, Krissa Larson, Josh Brietbarth and Josh Lawrence.

Now here are your starters.

For the Indians, number 1 Brynn bishop, number 4 Dana Blake, number 6 Lauren Olson, number 8 Aspen Nelsen, number 12 Mackenzie Sloan, number 14 Tori Runyan.

Your libero, number 2, Maci Lerseth.

Head coach for the Indians Kent Halstead.

[ Applause ] Ladies and gentlemen let me introduce you to our officials for the 4A championship match.

Our first referee Morris Frazier, our second referee Jill Monroe, line judges Chris Armstrong and Kim Pettick.

Ready to get under way.

It's north Scott againstin' la.

Indianola had to slug it out to get here.

For the Lancers, this has been quite the run.

3-1 in their opener.

Then winning in the semi-finals 3-0.

What do you have to the keys for the game for the Lancers?

>> I think North Scott has to depend on their seniors.

It's time to break through the ceiling.

This is their fifth consecutive year at the state tournament.

Their coach has coached five years.

Obviously a good staff.

They have to believe it's their turn.

>> How about for the indians?

>> They have such fire power.

You have Tori Runyan.

They have to be ready to win long rallies.

North Scott will play defense all day.

They need to win 60% of the long rallies.

>> Each team getting their final instructions.

Here's your head coach Taryn VanEarwage in her fifth season.

Her day job is the assistant men's volleyball coach at AugustANA.

>> That's a nice gig.

>> The Indians, their head coach, Kent Halstead, he's been around for a long time.

They return five starters back.

They're hoping this is the year.

Both teams looking for their first ever state championship in volleyball.

Let's see how this one will break down and get it going.

We await the opening serve here at the 4A championship.

If you're just joining us late, shame on you.

You missed a whale of a 5A title game.

Here we go.

The Lancers start with the opening serve.

This is going to be Kenzie Moeller.

The Lancers won 14 of their last 15 matchups they played.

Right away they go to Abbey Hayes.

Indianola blocked by Hayes.

>> That's an impressive block.

>> North Scott wearing the red uniforms trimmed in white.

Indianola in purple trimmed in white.

>> That's a nice side out.

If that's any indication, we know what kind of match it's going to be.

>> Camryn Overton 18 kills in the semi-finals comes in on the rotation.

Back to Aspen Nelsen the junior to serve.

Hayes, her slam handed by Indianola off the slide.

Too strong put out there by Mackenzie Sloan.

North Scott again, just blowing through some competition yesterday.

I think it was a stunner for everybody.

Clear Creek only lost four sets all season.

Indianola able to get the kill.

Guess who?

Camryn Overton.

>> Camryn's grandma was a long-time assistant coach at Indianola.

I coached her aunt in club ball.

It's a very athletic family.

Not surprised to see her Excelling on the volleyball court.

>> Dugout by Nelsen.

Into the middle.

Free ball here for the Lancers.

They go to the quick attack.

Good positioning by Indianola.

To the outside.

Overton.

The kill and point.

Indianola takes the lead, 3-2.

>> You don't want to let overton score.

That's her third point at the start of a brand new match.

Don't let them start thinking she's indestructible.

They'll steam roll if overton gets going.

>> Hayes with the swing.

Indianola there defensively.

They're known to be a scrappy team.

Hayes again.

>> There you go.

Beautiful swing.

>> Schermerhorn knows where her big hitter is, doesn't she?

>> Oh, absolutely.

You better find Abbey Hayes.

She's going to Creighton.

That's a great program.

She'll love it there.

>> Played up by Brunkan.

Hayes digs it up.

Schermerhorn to the outside.

Tap over by Allard.

Handled.

Brunkan again.

Hayes with the back row attack.

Too hard.

>> You'll see that once in a while.

You anticipate the back row attacks.

The ball will be placed in front of the ten-foot line and then you'll overrun it and the ball is set further back than expecting.

You hit back behind your head.

Good pass.

>> Played up by Runyan.

Out of the back Brunkan.

Overton will cap it off.

>> That junior libero, boy, we've seen some good liberos.

>> Indianola is able to get off to a good start.

In the quarter finals lost the opening set because they dug themselves such a huge hole.

This one not over yet, but Indianola liking the way they're coming out.

The back row attack.

Handled.

>> Until the nerves calm down it's not uncommon to see a lot more roll shots and tips.

Nothing overton can do about that.Overton can do about that.

>> Georgia Brunkan the senior back to serve.

Brunkan going to lay it up for Moeller.

Overton and puts it down.

>> Even if that had gone out, it was off the block, wasn't it?

>> Yeah.

>> Didn't see the officials call a touch right away.

Might have been a foregone conclusion.

>> Lauren Olson serving.

Just a misfire.

North Scott not looking sharp here early on.

Little nerves here.

>> Absolutely.

How can you not?

That's not where that second ball should have gone.

It should have been gone to the outside hitter.

Two difficult to hit over your shoulder like that.

I like that.

>> How about the kill by Side out North Scott.

>> They have such nice outside hitters.

Actually both teams.

>> North Scott went unbeaten in the Mississippi athletic conference this year, 9-0.

>> That was nice.

>> Wow, Indianola terrific play.

Wente with the kill.

>> First time we've seen that today where someone comes in quick and the other person hitting behind their back.

You have to respect the first hitter coming in.

>> 3-point advantage.

Zoey Belt serving.

They get the kill on the outside by Kaci Johnson.

Beg your pardon, that was Sydney Skarich.

Played up.

Enforcing the tempo that time was Mackenzie Sloan.

She's having a year, hitting .333 which is third best in 4A.

>> If people don't know, it's not like batting percentage.

You have to subtract your errors to get your kill efficiency.

When you hear someone hitting .300 for the season, that's a good hitter.

>> Ready to join you in the hall of fame?

>> Not sure about that.

>> Back row attack by the Lancers.

What an up by Lerseth.

Indianola called for two hits.

>> These players are so much better than back in the dark ages when we played.

They probably would have beat our college team.

>> Moeller.

>> Tough serves.

>> Opportunity here for the Lancers.

>> Free ball.

>> They find Hayes.

Why not?

>> We always called that a position three-set across from the other team's setters.

It's such a nice set with somebody coming in quick and you set that position.

>> Quick tap over.

Jostling at the net.

Hayes again.

That one goes to the seats.

What a way to come back.

Down by 3 North Scott able to tie this up at 9.

>> Hayes is only a junior.

>> Right.

Back at it.

The quick dump handled by North Scott.

Dug up nicely out of the back by Lerseth.

>> Not to be denied, Aspen Nelsen coming back and having the answer.

We're already seeing more diverse attacks here.

You're not seeing just pinto pin like the 5A schools.

>> Look at that in the middle, Hayes knots this up at 10.

>> That's a DI athlete there.

>> Listed at 6'3".

Had 20 kills in the semi-finals and hit .218.

Schermerhorn.

An ace.

>> Both teams have their superstars, but they don't just feed their superstars.

They distribute the ball and do a nice job diversifying their attacks.

They're fun to watch.

I think I would get the ball over here.

>> First lead change.

A service error ties it up.

These two schools, talking with Kent Halstead, he can't remember when they played North Scott before.

>> Really?

>> If they have, it's been a while, within that 50 years of Indianola.

Hayes goes with the quick tap.

What a way to meet in the 4A championship.

The Lancers get the point.

>> That's pretty exciting.

>> Hayes breaking out a smile.

>> And the dimples.

>> And an ace.

Two aces here in the opening set for North Scott.

>> Both teams have a nice mixture of upper and lower classmen, juniors and seniors.

That kind of takes the pressure off the seniors.

Sometimes they press when you get to this game.

That's out.

>> That's going to hit the antenna.

Ruled out.

Skarich trying to go down the line.

>> Great idea.

Tough shot.

>> Tori Runyan.

>> 16, 17 points is going to be key here.

Who gets there and gets the momentum going?

That's a tight ball.

>> Did they get the deflection?

Yes.

North Scott gets the point.

>> She did a great job wiping it off the block.

Valuing ball possession, keep it in play.

>> Brunkan.

Hayes out of the back.

Able to locate Moeller.

>> Nice touch.

>> Strong at the net are the Lancers.

>> This is their shortest lineup across the front right now.

These three have a couple blocks already.

>> Their largest lead, Indianola wants a time-out to talk things over.

15-12 North Scott with the advantage.

They've been led by Hayes with five kills so far.

Let's go inside the huddle as the Lancers try to work things over.

Taryn VanEarwage talking things over with her assistants.

Now we'll jump in.

>> Right now I want you two to flip.

Number 3 is over there.

Let's go.

Come on.

Lancers on three.

>> They want to change up their blocking and focus on that, pinch the pin and focus on Miss Overton.

>> North Scott have five seniors North Scott owns championships in girls basketball, softball, cross country, soccer, volleyball.

The last time they played in the state title game was 1985.

They're making the most of it here in the opening set.

Up 16-12.

>> North Scott used to have some dynasties.

That was a team you did not want to play.

It's been 11 years since they were conference champs.

>> They went 9-0 this year.

Here's Brunkan.

Overton had to reach for it.

North Scott earns the point.

Now up by 5.

On a 6-1 run are the Lancers.

Overton.

Hayes will play it up.

Runyan to the outside.

Wente.

Indianola gets a much-needed side out.

>> Indianola does some funky things.

They don't have true out sides or middles.

Makes scouting a beast when you try to scout a time that doesn't go tried and true by motions.

>> Blake plays it up to Nelsen.

Out of the middle.

>> Right now North Scott has the momentum.

They have Indianola back on their heels.

>> Johnson, senior making the most of every opportunity, hitting .327, which is good for fourth best in 4A.

>> Not a big athlete.

Only 5'8".

I would like to be 5'8", but volleyball-wise it's not that big.

>> Johnson dumps it in.

She's going to work.

6-point advantage.

Time-out Indianola.

>> Smart call.

>> 19-13 North Scott with the lead.

Let's take a listen inside the Indians huddle.

>> We have to fight for this set.

Keep swinging.

Blockers, watch their hands.

They're running a fast Tempo outside.

>> Right now I don't like your body language.

Throw away fear of failure.

>> Your assistants talking strategy and your head coach talking about the mental part of the game.

It's easier said than done to lose the body language.

>> Here we go.

Indianola had a good run in the Hawkeye conference this year going 7-0.

Kent Halstead knows when he's got a team that's playing at a high level.

In his 26th season as a head coach, 12th at Indianola.

>> Very experienced coach.

You have a young coach.

Neither have been in this position before.

You're both rookies in this.

It's hard.

>> Kill attempt by Wente went wide.

North Scott with their largest lead at 7 here.

>> Back to Kaci Johnson.

That will be a service error.

>> That was big.

That was big for Indianola.

They needed a break.

>> We talked about the start for Indianola and their previous matches here at the state tournament.

They've gone five in both.

>> They know how to come back.

I'm not worried about Indianola.

>> Probably saying if they drop this set, we've got them right where we want them.

>> Exactly right.

>> Johnson with the up.

>> That was smart.

>> 21-14 North Scott.

>> A good team is going to send that free ball right back to the other team's setter and it changes the core offense.

>> This set was tied at 11.

North Scott able to change it or redirect it with some powerful play with the block.

It's been on.

We're at the tail end of this first set.

Big charge by Nelsen.

That's going to be blocked out.

>> Big swing by Nelsen.

>> Side out Indianola.

Brynn bishop, the senior, will come in.

>> Service error.

North Scott will send back Kenzie Moeller.

>> They're probably thinking let's just get this over with.

This is how we roll.

We'll come back and win the next three.

>> Good back side help.

Now again to Nelsen.

Deflected out.

Indians get the point.

>> I thought Aspen Nelsen was going to tip it.

She's like, heck with that.

I'm going to swing at it.

>> Nelsen with seven kills in the semi-finals.

Terrific server.

She'll change it up.

She did there.

North Scott, Emee Allard.

>> Allard is a good player.

She's playing in the same rotation with Hayes.

She's not going to get as many swings.

She's a fine looking athlete.

>> Leads 4A in solo blocks with 46.

>> Another junior.

You give North Scott this champion, they'll think they have a dynasty.

>> Overton with the kill.

>> That's about three swings in a row Indianola wiped off the block.

Seems to be a trend.

Pretty smart hitters.

>> Free ball for North Scott.

You go to Hayes.

>> Too much on that block.

>> Overton.

Too strong.

We're at set point.

North Scott as a team, 93% serve efficiency.

Had a couple aces already.

Hayes to serve.

It's an ace to end it.

The first set complete.

North Scott takes it 25-17.

The Lancers jump out to a one set to nothing lead in the 4A championship on Iowa PBS.

>>> North Scott takes the opening set 25-17 led by Hayes' five kills.

They got things rolling.

Now for Indianola, the Indians trying to do what they've always done, stage a comeback.

How do they do it?

>> They have to establish offense.

They have two good hitters.

Without question North Scott dominated the first set with their offense.

They need momentum.

>> Let's look at the first set highlights here.

We're about ready to get the second set under way.

Overton with the kill.

Indianola jumped out to an early lead.

North Scott able to get things going after Overton got out to that early lead.

The block from Hayes and company redirected the point right there.

>> Definitely the block -- I didn't expect North Scott to dominate on the blocking.

>> Couple blocks for North Scott.

See the service aces at three.

Pretty evenly matched if you think about it, but North Scott winning the hustle points.

>> They're getting touches all the time at the net.

That's frustrating to hitters if they're not burying the ball.

I think Indianola will think, been there, done that, we're good.

>> Indianola a lot of experience.

Only loss on the season to Northwest.

Indianola had a point this season where they swept 12 straight opponents.

>> Wow, that's tough to do.

>> Let's see if the comeback kids can do it again.

We get things started in the second set.

Indianola on the serve.

North Scott -- was it deflected?

Yes.

Lancers get the point.

>> I thought it was, but then the line judge didn't call it so I thought maybe not.

The official is inches from the play.

>> Indianola.

>> Honestly there's very few balls that aren't touched.

These kids are just good blockers.

>> Off the slide, just wide.

>> The Indians need to stop the bleeding.

There's too many unforced errors.

They're a better team than this and that's what frustrating.

Good pass.

>> Battle at the net.

It's won by the Lancers.

That's 6'3" going against 5'11" in the middle.

>> Hayes has the upper hand on that.

They need to set Hayes.

Not sure what they're thinking.

4 straight points for North Scott.

>> Most teams are really susceptible to a right-side attack.

They don't see it as much.

In this case you have a 6'3" blocker.

I would talk to my setter and say, let's change it up here.

>> The quick tap.

Skarich to Hayes.

They'll cash in.

What a start in the second set for North Scott.

A time-out going to be taken by Indianola.

>> It just gets in your head.

You just dropped a tough first set.

Now you're down 0-5.

>> Let's go to the indian huddle.

>> Clean it up.

Believe in yourselves.

Everyone is here for a reason.

Believe in yourselves.

>> Trust your training out there.

Trust your training.

We're standing up when we're passing.

Nobody can pass when standing up.

Nice job last time.

Who's going to be our MVP out there?

I hope everybody.

I hope everybody makes everybody else better.

That's an MVP.

Everybody has to make each other better.

Let's go.

>> I like that.

Make each other better.

That's a really good line.

>> Colby Kobeski the assistant.

Trying to raise the spirits there of the Indians down 5-0 in the second set.

>> I want to hear these coaches giving their setters a side-out play.

Who do you want the ball to go to?

Let the setters call the plays.

>> Runyan to the outside to Nelsen.

Ruled long.

>> No.

Another touch she called on the floor.

>> Another touch.

Check that.

Hayes over to talk to Maurice Frazier.

She said was that touched?

Taryn VanEarwage saying I didn't see it.

Let's see if we see it at home.

Yeah.

>> I mean, that's not one worth even arguing about.

>> Ruled out.

Wide on the shot.

Indianola starting to make a comeback.

>> This is exactly what they need.

Couple errors by North Scott and get your confidence back and you can take care of this.

Backcourt attack.

>> Into the net.

>> North Scott runs a six-two and their setter is always backcourt.

You can't jump up and return a ball when you're a backcourt player.

>> Hayes going high.

The quick tap.

Look at that.

Mackenzie Sloan.

Runyan with the assist.

>> She was doing a pirouette.

She was off balance.

No way she was going to pick that up.

>> 5-point lead by North Scott.

>> Shrinking.

There you go.

>> Ace.

Now the Indians are feeling it.

They're used to dropping that first set.

>> Tied at 5.

Nelsen again.

>> Good server.

>> Hayes in the middle.

Played up by Brunkan.

Now to Hayes.

Oh, that's tough.

Side out North Scott.

>> The rule is Arnold is new this year.

>> Jewelry?

>> Yeah.

We were wondering why half the kids had jewelry on.

>> Overton with the shot.

Tied at 6.

Indianola trying to get their first lead of the set after falling down 5-0 out of the gate.

>> It would be a huge momentum swinger for them.

>> Maci Lerseth ready to go.

Into the middle.

That's Hayes.

>> You know where it's going.

>> Yeah.

>> Still got to stop her.

Even when the timing was off on that play.

This is where Indianola has to make noise.

You have Hayes in the backcourt.

They have to take advantage of this.

No missed serves.

Perfect pass.

>> They're going to see if she can play defense.

>> She can.

>> Nice up.

>> Lerseth trying to close it out.

Overton.

North Scott back with it defensively.

Skarich with the shot.

Now to Overton.

Off the antenna is the ruling.

>> The hitter and setter are not connecting.

They're just struggling.

>> Now to Abbey Hayes.

>> Nope.

Oh, okay.

>> Four hits they're saying.

>> Had the side effect going.

I wondered if they were going to call that.

Indianola's serve/receive is hanging in there.

They have to get out of this slump.

>> Blake with the attempt.

Handled by North Scott.

Overton.

>> There you go, young Overton.

>> Turns into a back row attack.

Overton again.

>> There you go.

>> That time found the opening.

Side out Indianola.

>> I'm glad to see that Camryn can hit that ball.

It's open for her.

She can take advantage of that tonight -- I guess today.

>> Into the middle.

Indianola able to get the point.

Dana Blake.

>> Juior coming through.

>> 9-8 North Scott.

Indianola on the serve.

Johnson.

Hayes.

Roll shot.

Was that touched?

>> Yeah, it was.

>> Indianola on the push.

>> All right.

Win the free ball offense here.

Double quick.

>> Long point.

Who's going to win it?

>> A tip coming?

No.

>> Into the net and North Scott outlasts Indianola for that point.

They're up by 2.

>> I think some of the timing issues for both teams with the hitters and setters has to be attributed to nerves.

We've seen too many just not quite there with their timing, on both sides.

>> Georgia Brunkan ready to serve.

27 digs against Clear Creek in the semi-finals.

>> That's crazy.

>> That attempt long by Moeller.

Indianola pulls within 1.

>> She's a sophomore out there.

>> Now Lauren Olson.

>> That's not a good set.

>> Timing was off there for Kaci Johnson.

>> If you're right-handed, it's impossible to do something with that ball coming back with your shoulder on the right side.

>> Tied at 10.

This set started, if you're just joining us, North Scott jumped out to a 5-0 lead and held it here.

Continued to hold the advantage at 11-10.

>> Schermerhorn, nice job on that long rally to dump it over.

Well done, young setter.

>> Put down by Maci Wente.

>> She's a nice hitter on that rotation.

>> How can Indianola grab the lead here?

They haven't had it yet in the second set.

They turn to Zoey Belt to serve.

That's Nelson.

>> Thought he might have called that.

>> Nelson again.

Free ball for Indianola.

Go to the back side.

>> Wow, what an up.

>> Brunkan again.

>> Wente.

Brunkan still finds it.

This one's still going.

Collision Indianola.

Brunkan sets it up.

The kill and the down.

That's the second long point won by North Scott.

This time Sydney Skarich gets the kill.

>> They went to her about five times in a row.

I thought what are they doing?

Switched it up a little bit.

They knew she could put it down.

>> Indianola still hasn't owned the lead in the second set.

They fought back from a couple big deficits.

>> Again.

>> That deflected.

North Scott gets the point.

Moeller this time.

>> There had to be something in the scouting report to take advantage of the -- utilize their right-side hitters.

They're over playing.

They keep on the right side.

There you go.

There you go.

The Indians with the pass to Grover.

>> That's the perfect pass.

>> Just checked in and gets the kill.

13-12.

Battle at the net.

>> Good eye.

>> Point goes to North Scott.

They ruled that block out.

Let's see.

It's going to be blocked.

>> Brunkan was right there.

She made the call.

Very adamant that it was out.

>> Nelsen with the kill.

Nelsen now with five kills, ten digs.

Hayes with nine kills to lead the way for North Scott.

Back row attack by Skarich.

Blocked in the middle.

>> That was huge.

>> Madison Grover the freshman.

>> That's a really nice block.

That's a statement block for Indianola.

>> Hasn't played a lot in the state tournament, but making the most of it as a freshman.

Hayes says not this time.

>> If you're going to play defense, get inside the ten-foot line because that's where I'm hitting it.

>> Look how high she gets.

15-14 after this was tied up for the fourth time.

Now Schermerhorn.

Overton.

>> Nice up.

>> The freshman with the block at the net again.

Runyan to the outside to Overton.

Could not get a swing on the ball.

Just when Indianola is able to tie it up, still haven't Garnered the lead here.

North Scott fending them off.

Here's Schermerhorn again.

Time-out taken here by Indianola.

That's their final time-out.

17-14 your score.

North Scott taking advantage at the net.

Let's listen in.

I think coach VanEarwage looking over some stats.

You can do that on the tablet.

>> Exactly.

She's a young coach.

I mean, I saw her taking a big breath before.

There's a lot of pressure on coaches.

>> Continue to be disciplined in defense.

Transition that into offense.

Let's go.

>> Very strategic.

Talking about the defense and where she wanted her blockers.

She thinks her offense starts with her defense.

She said that's what won the semi-final match.

Their offense -- defense was their offense.

I like when coaches are very matter of fact in the huddle like that.

>> 17-14.

Schermerhorn to serve.

Nelsen with the hustle.

Out of the back row Skarich.

>> Nice up.

Both teams good defense.

>> Overton.

>> No, that didn't go.

>> North Scott gets the point.

>> Camryn Overton struggling right now.

She's a good player.

She'll bounce back.

Go to your freshman.

Go to your right side.

Mix it up.

If you go right side, you have a 6'3" blocker.

>> Overton again.

Hayes.

Quick attack handled by the Lancers.

>> That's a nice one.

>> Hayes down the line.

How many high school players can make that attempt?

>> Yeah, I mean, it's a think of beauty when the setter and hitters connect.

I don't care who the hitter is.

Hayes makes it look really easy.

>> North Scott matching their largest lead.

Overton.

>> Nice.

>> North Scott the three.

>> There you go.

>> Indianola missed it.

>> Shoot, that was such a nice play by the Indians.

Thought that quick attack would hit the line.

Well executed.

>> 20-14.

Here's Hayes.

>> Georgia Brunkan still working hard back there.

>> North Scott up by 7.

Indianola in a big need of a side out here.

>> That wasn't Georgia.

Maci Lerseth for Indianola.

>> And the ace.

>> That's a stab in the heart.

That hurts.

>> Schermerhorn attacking with the serve in a number of spots here.

>> Yeah.

I don't know who's calling serves.

I haven't seen the coach do it.

Indianola's not passing.

>> They get the side out.

>> They've been able to run quick attacks.

The hitters just haven't been able to capitalize.

>> Now trying to build some momentum here.

Maci Lerseth ready to go.

Off the slide and it's going to pay off for North Scott.

>> Kaci Johnson on that one-footed take off, perfectly executed.

Nice job.

>> Comes from a lot of years of playing volleyball and getting those steps down.

Not an easy feat.

>> Lerseth had the timing back there.

I thought she was going to get it dugout.

>> Here's Overton again.

Back row attack by Hayes.

Overton.

Too strong.

North Scott gets the point.

>> Set point.

>> North Scott beat ADM in the quarters 3-1.

We mentioned they cruised past Clear Creek.

They're about to go up two sets to none against Indianola as we're at set point.

>> There you go.

>> Blake dropping the hammer.

>> That rally had North Scott written all over it.

I mean, great dig and great lifts.

Indianola really needed that big hit.

>> 24-16.

Runyan to serve.

North Scott will close it out.

Emee Allard finishes it off here in the second.

North Scott up two sets to none and trying to bring home their school's first ever state championship in volleyball.

Will they sweep?

Indianola might have something to say about that when we return as you're watching the class 4A state championship on Iowa PBS.

>>> The Iowa girl state volleyball championships carry on.

There's the team that won the 5A title game.

They always do an outstanding job.

Here the players lounge is an off-court spot for athletes to chill out, keep an eye on current matches and you can claim a seat on the thrown as queen of the court.

>> I'm going to find that chair before I leave today.

I want a picture on that.

>> Here we are in the 4A championship.

Indianola down two sets.

North Scott has been attack, attack, attack.

>> They're controlling the match before.

Indianola has been in this position before.

They know what to do.

As an emotional 16, 17-year-old, can you turn it around?

>> Let's look at the second-set highlights here.

Indianola came out down 5-0.

They were able to comeback, but never got the lead.

>> It was key that Indianola couldn't get a lead.

They fought back hard.

They got some momentum and they couldn't quite take the next step.

I'm a betting woman.

I'm not writing them off yet.

I think they'll take this set.

>> Here we go.

North Scott has the serve.

In high school volleyball since covid, one of the things they implemented is teams don't change sides.

They stay on the same side.

Indianola trying to go for the first point.

No.

It's ruled wide.

>> I like Madison Grover.

She's a good-looking freshman.

She tried that angle a couple times.

Maybe gets the tip instead.

>> Moeller's serve long.

We're tied at 1.

>> I'm sure the Kent Halstead is frustrated.

His team doesn't typically make a lot of unforced errors and that's what this match has been about so far.

>> Hayes, handled by Indianola.

Just out of sorts.

>> Just miscommunication.

You have such a good setter with Runyan.

We haven't seen her name called much, but she's so good.

>> The last time Indianola had a lead was when they were up 3-2 in the opening set.

>> Holy cow.

They weighs on you.

>> Overton.

Played up by Brunkan.

>> Good touch.

Back row attack by Nelsen.

North Scott up 3-1.

>> I'm not sure their hitting efficiency right now is -- I bet it's close to under .120.

>> Schermerhorn serves.

Off the slide.

Grover.

North Scott -- >> Everything's going their way.

>> Yeah.

Overton can't get it over.

4-1 North Scott.

>> You know, Indianola's young.

They'll remember this match no matter how it turns out.

They'll expect to be back in the same position next year.

>> Ace.

Boy, Schermerhorn has had a day serving, hasn't she?

>> She sure has.

It's nice to have that person in your backcourt and you just know they're going to come in and keep them off balance.

Wow.

>> What a strike by Hayes.

6-1 North Scott.

>> Credit Georgia Brunkan there.

That was a great dig off a good hit.

I'm not sure that Runyan can't tip this ball here in the setter position.

A right back should be able to open if they give her a good pass.

Yesterday we saw her attack quite a few balls.

>> Overton.

That one is blocked by Allard.

>> The dilemma with the five-one, you only have two hitters.

You're limited where you're going to go.

>> Time-out taken by Indianola.

A 6-point deficit for the Indians.

Let's listen inside.

>> We're playing because we love the game and we want to compete as hard as we can.

Don't get mad at each other.

Love your teammates.

We're not executing still.

We have time to do it.

I love Camryn calling for the ball.

Play for the right reasons out there.

That means you love each other and love the game and want to have fun.

We're not going to pout.

We're not that team.

We've never been all year.

Let's go.

One point at a time.

Let's go.

>> Not much to say there.

The coach has been on them about the body language and what they're exuding to the other team across the net.

They're not looking confident.

They might be throwing some looks.

I haven't seen it.

That's what he alluded to.

Just need one person to step up here.

Switch something up.

>> Out of the time-out, Indianola able to keep it alive.

Hayes cashes in.

>> One option here for Indianola, put the hitters on the left side and maybe run something out of the middle.

You have pin pin.

Maybe switch it up to the left side.

>> That's a service error.

Indianola gets the side out.

>> That's the only way they're getting side outs.

We know how good they are.

They've been playing lights out all year.

You hope as a fan to see them start to perform the way they're capable.

>> Schermerhorn will play it up.

What a strike by Allard.

Block couldn't get over there in time.

Now Abbey Hayes.

>> Good pass.

There you go.

That's what you needed.

>> Blake able to get the kill.

>> Well done.

>> Lots of state hardware, state championship hardware to be handed out today.

3A championship coming up next.

2A title game later.

>> A lot of good volleyball coming up today.

Some players I'm excited to watch.

>> Hayes with the back row attack.

We talk about the light switch coming on for North Scott.

It certainly did right at the tail end of the season.

Not that they were swooning in immediate OK -- >> I always say do you want to be good in August or November?

This is what coaches build for.

>> Won 12 of their last 13 including 7 in a row.

How about that.

Sydney Skarich with another kill.

She has four.

>> They know they're going -- Indianola should recognize they'll set her in that side out rotation.

They have gone to her nonstop.

>> They set up Blake.

Indianola trying to manufacture some momentum here.

>> Their middles are effective.

They can keep feeding their middles.

It's going well for them.

>> Grover back into the contest.

Back to serve is Belt.

The officials want to make sure that rotation came incorrectly.

>> We have some all-timers here.

I can't imagine they didn't get it down.

Everything going the Lancers way right now.

>> 12-5.

Skarich.

Hayes.

>> Great pursuit.

>> Does it get over?

Yes.

>> They haven't quit.

>> North Scott able to put it away with Kenzie Moeller.

Indianola still scrapping.

>> They're pursuing every ball.

The great coach Tom Keating said follow those balls even if you think you can't get to it.

>> 13-5, North Scott.

Nelsen able to get it through.

Josie McGraw into the contest here for Indianola, now setting.

Kent Halstead trying to find a number of players to find the go button here.

North Scott able to crank out another point as Madison Wilshusen checks in.

Into the net went McGraw.

>> Little bit shorter setter.

Harder to get above the net to bring those balls back when they're tight like that.

You know what, maybe he wants to get some of his younger players in the game too.

>> Hayes, pinpoint accuracy.

>> It was set up because of the quick-driving middle to hold on the blockers.

Hayes isn't going to be beat by a one-on-one block.

Maybe when she's playing at Nebraska in two years, but not here.

>> We're checking the lineups again.

>> When you don't have any time-outs, good coaching ploy.

>> Service error.

16-7 your score.

>> The only thing stopping North Scott is their serving at times.

>> Yeah.

>> That's going to go to North Scott, Emee Allard.

>> They had two people coming quick, one Hayes.

Everybody assuming it's going to Hayes.

They went outside to Allard.

Well-executed play.

>> Final time-out taken by Indianola.

North Scott with a 10-point advantage.

Trying to sweep it here in the 4A championship.

Up 17-7.

Getting 15 kills here in the championship by Hayes as the North Scott Lancers are playing in their state title game.

Last time they played in it was 1986.

Coach VanEarwage going through the lineup.

Trying to get it all documented.

>> In '86 their parents probably won't married yet.

>> Team siding out at a high level here.

Threes in the front row.

Setters up also.

Stay disciplined.

Stay locked in.

Let's go.

>> Remind them where their setter is.

If she jumps, you got to jump with her.

They have Runyan back in.

>> Emma Schermerhorn.

Into the middle.

Going to be playing up.

Schermerhorn to the outside.

To Hayes.

>> Wanted to carry that ball up from the block.

It was kind of sketchy.

You know, it's not called anymore.

>> To the outside.

Overton, her shot blocked.

Side out Indianola.

Lerseth.

Off the slide.

Nelsen with the hustle.

That will be played out.

North Scott.

They're going after every ball.

A lot of teams would have quit by now.

There's no quit in that team.

>> 19-8.

Hayes.

20-8.

>> A lot of smiles from coach Taryn VanEarwage over there.

She's feeling it.

>> Now just 4 points away.

>> This is where one of her assistants needs to pull her on the bench and say enjoy it.

Stop coaching.

Enjoy it.

>> Hayes ready to serve here.

It will be a service error.

>> They've had a few this set.

>> Indianola, Maci Wente back in on the rotation.

Tori Runyan ready to stand at the ready.

This North Scott team looking like they'll finish 29-4 if that one is in.

>> That's a heck of a record.

It's not many games or matches.

They must not have played many tournaments.

>> They're in position to win nine straight sets in a row.

That's ruled in.

Side out, Indianola.

>> Nice job Dana Blake.

We've called your name often tonight.

Really done a good job with that middle.

>> Lauren Olson.

Schermerhorn up.

To Skarich.

Blake just going to reach that one.

23-10.

Obviously North Scott on a roll.

Indianola has had to battle.

They've had some exhausting games here going five sets in each game.

North Scott winning the opening set here 25-17.

Taking the second 25-16.

>> Anyone that's ever played volleyball, you know what they feel like.

Right now the tracks are oiled and slick and greased.

North Scott is just barreling down the tracks.

It's so hard to put a stop to a team when they're on a roll like that.

I mean, it's just everything.

Everything North Scott touches right now.

>> Skarich with the kill.

Now we're at championship point.

>> They can't stop smiling over here.

>> The championship point.

Sydney Skarich serving for North Scott.

Indianola not done yet.

Wente with the kill.

>> Before rally scoring, you had a legit shot.

It's such a big hole anymore.

You miss a serve and that might be it.

We know where it's going.

>> Hayes.

>> Nice up.

>> That's it.

North Scott is your 4A champion.

>> Coach is crying.

>> Taryn VanEarwage in her fifth season has guided the North Scott Lancers to the state tournament all five years.

This year they've finally cashed in and win the 4A title.

>> You always want to act like you've been here before.

You can't stop GRINNing.

You're in disbelief.

>> What a roll for North Scott.

They never locked back and just hit the gas.

>> Abbey Hayes finishing with 17 kills.

We'll have the announcement of the all-star team and the presentation of the championship trophy.

Hayes, just a junior, has another year.

For Indianola, what a season.

Finishing 38-5 on the year.

>> They had such a good year.

You hate to have this tainted.

At some point they'll reflect back and think, wow, we had a heck of a ride.

They'll appreciate what they did.

>> Let's go to the all tournament team selection.

>> Announcer: From Indianola, Aspen Nelsen.

From Clear Creek Bliss Beck.

From Louis Central Brooke Larson.

From North Scott Georgia Brunkan.

From Indianola Tori Runyan.

And your class 4A all tournament team captain, from North Scott Abbey Hayes.

>> What an all-tournament team highlighted by Abbey Hayes as the all-tournament team captain.

>> Well deserving.

We saw why she has the accolades she does in this tournament this week.

Stellar performance.

Well done, young lady.

>> There's your all-tournament team selections.

Hayes named the captain finishing the championship with 17 kills.

>> In three sets.

>> In three sets.

Kirsten Blumenthal, you're getting a good won at Creighton.

>> Now waiting for the trophy presentation.

Indianola will finish as runner-up and North Scott your champion.

>> Announcer: The top producer award for the 4A championship match.

Presenting the award is Taylor Anderson.

This year's top producer of the 4A championship match, Abbey Hayes of North Scott.

Fans, introducing your class 4A runner-up.

The Indianola Indians and head coach Kent Halstead.

Lady Lancers, it's time to complete the class 4A bracket.

Your 2023 class 4A champions, coach Taryn VanEarwage and the Lady Lancers of North Scott.

>> There are your champions in class 4A.

What a run for North Scott.

>> Makes me smile.

I love seeing kids having that celebration, experiencing that, strong female athletes on both sides of the net.

Just a joyous moment to see the culmination of your season end like this.

>> North Scott finishing with 29-4 on the year.

They sweep the semis and the finals to bring home the championship.

Again, North Scott your winner in class 4A.

More state volleyball championship action coming your way as the 3A field will hit the courts here momentarily.

Today was the day for North Scott.

We have mount Vernon and the 3A title game coming your way.

It's title Thursday as you're watching the Iowa girls high school state volleyball championships here on Iowa PBS.

Excel store.

Excel.

She excelled.

Immediate okayty.

Immediate OK RAty.

Mediocrity.

GROOED store.