Cedar Rapids — In a clash of Southeast Iowa Super Conference powers, it was Notre Dame doing just enough to sneak past Holy Trinity in last night’s Class 1A State Semifinal.
The scoreboard says it was a Notre Dame sweep — and it was — but each was about as spine-tingling and hair-raising as the next.
The Nikes earned 26-24, 26-24 and 27-25 wins to advance to tonight’s 1A State Final, where they will meet up with third-seeded Springville.
Gabby Deery was the difference maker once again for the Nikes, following up a 26-kill quarterfinal with 23 again last night.
The 6’2′ junior outside hitter looked like the best player on the floor once again.
Josie Bentz aided Deery’s effort with 13 kills of her own, while Jenna Bentz had 45 assists.
Mary Kent Bendlage led the Crusader attack with 10 kills, while Natalie Randolph had eight kills on 37 attempts.
Kassi Randolph had 14 assists while Bendlage led the back row with 14 digs.
Holy Trinity ends their season 37-8, while Notre Dame improved to 37-8.
Springville swept away North Tama to advance, 25-10, 25-12, 25-17.
Other state final matchups:
- No. 1 Dike-New Hartford vs. No. 3 Western Christian
- No. 4 West Liberty vs. No. 2 West Delaware
- No. 1 Western Dubuque vs. No. 3 Waverly-Shell Rock
- No. 4 Cedar Falls vs. No. 2 Pleasant Valley