Class 4A — North Scott Lancers vs. Sioux Center Warriors

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It is time for state championship volleyball here. From Extreme Arena in Coralville, Iowa, PBS is proud to bring you the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union 2025 State Volleyball Championships. We move on to the class four, a title match, and it will be the Cinderella number five seeded North Scott, taking on the second seeded Sioux Center. Warriors. Hi again everyone, with Dr. Joanna Settles. This is BJ Schaben and what a matchup we have here with a very good balanced team against a lot of power on the other side.

Yes, and both teams had incredible semifinal wins. North Scott was led by McKenzie Moeller. She had 31 kills. Sioux Center, on the other hand, had ten aces in their win against Pella.

As we take a look at these two teams and their resumes coming into this North Scott more than happy to be here. But they lost five of their first eight matches to begin the season. They've been here before winning the title back in 2023. They've got some great team leaders in McKenzie Moeller. And how about Addison Allen.

Head coach Brian Schubert. He led Davenport Assumption to three titles in 2023 and 2024.

A lot of experience there. But on the other side, for Sioux Center. This is their 10th trip to state. They move up from class three A they're looking for their school's first ever volleyball title, and they've got some great players in Courteney Schmidt who's going to go on to play at Northwestern College and Maryn Franken boy, she can really strike the ball.

Yes. Schmidt and Senior Kaylee Traver are in the top five in class four A in service aces.

Let's get more introduced to these teams. Let's turn it over to today's public address announcer Tim Fitzpatrick.

High school officials in each state, in every sport, the 2025 Iowa Official of the year in volleyball is Bob Fesler of Pella. Presenting Bob with his award is IGHSAU executive director Aaron Gerlich and volleyball administrator Ben van Wijk. Bob started officiating volleyball in 2013 after concluding a 25 year coaching stint at Walnut Ridge in Pella. Since then, he officiated 11 IGHSAU state volleyball tournaments, including five state championship matches. He also officiates at the NCAA Division one. Division two. Division three, Naia and NJCAA levels in 2022 and 2025. Bob was an official for the NJCAA Volleyball National Championships. In addition to officiating officiating, he also assigns volleyball officials for over 40 colleges and 12 high schools. Bob is also a 2019 inductee to the Iowa Girls Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Congratulations to the 2025 NFHS Iowa Volleyball Official of the year from Pella. Bob Fesler.

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There he is with his beautiful wife. She's a teacher in Pella, and there's hardly a time that I'm in a gym that Bob Fesler isn't there.

What a long time contributor to Iowa High school volleyball, Bob Fesler.

Yes, he's just outstanding. He was an outstanding coach. He's an outstanding official.

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Let's go.

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It's time to bring our teams on the floor. North Scott fans, let's hear it for your lady Lancers.

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I'll. go in.

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But I real. And I knew there was no turning back. But right in thought. What can I do? I'm now in you. There was no no help for you.

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The sound of the drums.

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Beat in my.

Sioux Center fans, give it up for your Warriors.

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I. When the time.

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We did a Texas. Yeah.

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It's now time to introduce our players and coaches in today's four AA championship matchup. Today's starting lineups presented by Hy-Vee. Let's meet the players and coaches from North Scott. Here are the Lady Lancers. Your nonstarters. Number four Addyson Miguel. Number five, Reese Jackson. Number seven Eisley Weinert. Number nine Sydney Soppe. Number 12 Katie Moeller. Number 13 Brooke Rocca. Number 14 Kyra Kosarek. And number 15 Addison Harms. Your assistant coaches, Taylor Ingram Grayson Juel and Jennifer Kuhn. And now here's your starting lineup for the Lady Lancers of North Scott five four. Junior number one Kamilla Eller five nine. Senior number three Mackenzie Moeller A58. Senior number six Adalynn Johnson A, five seven. Senior number eight Addison Allen 511. Junior. Number ten Alyssa Schrader and A59. Senior. Number 11 Paige Coon. Your libero is A55 senior. Number two. Ainsley Haight, head coach for the Lady Lancers is Brian Schubert. And now let's meet the team from Sioux Center. Here are the Warriors. Your nonstarters number three. Romee Bleeker number five, Jaden Rozeboom. Number six, Annika De Goei. Number seven, Haley Keizer. Number 11, Georgia Vandenberg. Number 13 Amirah Bleeker. Number 14 Adelyn Winterfeld. And number 17 Brooke TeStroete. Your assistant coaches. Brooke Faber Sara Kooistra and Lexi Hilker. Now here's your starting lineup for the Warriors of Sioux Center, A54 junior. Number one, Kate VandeHoef. A six foot junior. Number four Maryn Franken 510 senior number eight, Avery Bitker A57 junior. Number nine Adison Brantsen A58 junior number ten Taylor Holverson and a 510 senior. Number 12 Courteney Schmidt. Your Libero is A557 senior. Number two Kaylee Traver. Head coach for the Warriors. Julie Oldenkamp. And now fans, let me introduce you. Our officials assigned to this match by the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union. Your first referee, Curt Larkin. Second referee Gene Denny. Line judges Vince Workman and Chris Armstrong. All right, who's ready to win a state championship?

Well, they are fired up here. Sioux Center North Scott for the class four, a state championship. Joanna, when you look at these two, you talked about the team effort of Sioux Center. They don't have an individual in the top five of the any statistical category in class four A and for North Scott they can really strike the ball. What else do you got drawn up for the keys today?

Yes. North Scott needs to pass well to Allen their setter and feed the beast. And the beast is number three. McKenzie Moeller for Sioux Center. They need to continue their sensational serving and stay in system offensively.

Well, these two squads have been rolling right along. North Scott winners of 14 straight. Meanwhile, for the Warriors of Sioux Center coming in at 30 and four and the highest they've ever finished was second. And they are representing northwest Iowa here today at the state in the state championships, which is somewhat unfamiliar territory here for Sioux Center and for northwest Iowa. But they're going to try to represent well here this afternoon.

They will we will also see two different coaching styles today as North Scott Brian Schubert is calm, cool and collected with his hat on and his basketball shorts on. And for Sioux Center Julie Oldenkamp, she is intense on the sideline, rooting on her warriors.

So we're ready to go as Sioux Center will start on serve. It'll be Kaylee Traver the five seven senior to get things going for Julie Oldenkamp in her 19th season overall for the Warriors and a service error. North Scott will start with the opening point.

That's always important to have a next play mentality. You just move on from that. Again, keep your eye on number three in red McKenzie Moeller for North Scott, the big hitter and number 12 Courteney Schmidt for Sioux Center.

North Scott has played a lot of sets here at the state volleyball tournament. Back to back service errors. In fact, the Lancers opened up with a decision three one decision against Dallas Center-grimes. Then yesterday, the grinder coming from four down late to beat top seeded Clear Creek Amana to advance and another service error. There's a whole lot of nerves going on.

I think it's excitement. They are amped up, but it's time to get a serve in here. On our fourth serve in class four A.

Meanwhile for Sioux Center, they're victorious against Marian in the quarterfinals, swept Pella in the semis as the Lancers will rotate in as they try to get some fresh legs out on the court. Ainsley Weinert serving. Going to be played forward. The big roll shot by Brantsen will get down and that could calm some nerves as we're all tied up at two.

A great shot by Brantsen. The defense was back closer to the line, so a nice off speed roll shot to drop one in to score.

Boy what a high set that time from Taylor Holverson. She's now going to be on serve. Had 16 assists in the semifinals.

And there's that tough serve right away. They're out of system. Have to free ball it over making it easy for their offense.

Holverson goes to the middle and blocked back was Franken who will set it up to the outside. Going to be played over free opportunity here for the Warriors.

That ball was set back too far. She couldn't bring any power.

And there's Mackenzie Muller. Keep an eye on Mac today. The five nine senior now has 369 kills on the season.

You can see her. She rises up. She sees the opening in that block. She pounds it right through. She had 27 kills on Monday. In the first round. She had 31. Yesterday in the semifinals. How many can she get today.?

And how about that? Sioux Center answers right back. Nip and tuck in the early goings as Sioux Center running A62 Romee Bleeker into the contest and now serving for the Warriors is going to be Maryn Franken.

Yes, she's so good. She's a six foot senior. She's already had 500 kills this season.

Moeller gets that one in wow. Check this out.

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Such a great set. Putting it right in. Mueller's wheelhouse.

Bleeker again goes to the middle. And a lot of power as that was deflected out. Adison Brantsen will get the kill.

That's a great first ball side out by the Warriors.

Well the early goings showing this could be a long match between the two. Rolling tide Brantsen will put it up. Big Strike by Schmidt. And Sioux Center has the lead at five four.

Schmidt goes up. The defense is back pretty far again. A second kill by the Warriors dropping it in with an off speed.

Back row attack. Moeller going to be dug up nicely by Brantsen. They come outside to Schmidt. What a stroke!

It is. It's Moeller versus Schmidt. She is an outstanding outside hitter with a great vertical.

Bone for these two clubs. You think about it. It is your east coast versus west Coast matchup. They've never played against one another. Their first ever meeting between the two. And Sioux Center putting a lot of pressure on North Scott. Yes. Up by three.

Some miscommunication there. You have to be so in sync on every single play as a setter with every one of your hitters. She wanted to run a slide there. The set was not in the right location.

And an ace. How about that? Adison Brantsen? She's got seven aces so far here at the state tournament. Had three in the semifinals.

It's hard to get one. It really is. These serve receive teams are so good. So to put one away is so impressive.

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Back row attack Moeller. And Sioux Center just out of sorts there a lot of pressure put on that deep hit by Moeller.

It is again forcing Sioux Center to go out of system, causing the air. That is not where Courteney Schmidt wants the ball. She wants it three feet off the net there. It's about ten feet off the net, forcing the error.

Here's hate. Bleeker goes outside that time to VanDeBerg handled by the Lancers who capitalize on it in the middle.

Anytime you can go to the middle, your offense is playing great. There it is. You see her turn, go right through the block and Sioux Center has to do a better job of closing.

Paige Coon getting that kill.

That set off too far again for Schmidt.

Eller attempt foiled, but how about the deep shot put back by Addison Allen.

Addison Allen brilliant placement, perfect placement to hit deep corner. We call it location one.

So Sioux Center had a three point advantage. Now down to one. Bleeker sets the middle and that's too strong. But they're going to say a deflection. Sioux Center will get the point. And a much needed side out for the Warriors.

Nice middle attack hitting deep right corner. Kate VandeHoef serving here. That's such a strong rotation for Sioux Center.

Come outside. That is Schmidt.

And that's the reason why because Courteney Schmidt is in the outside hitter position. If she gets the ball, she crushes it.

Kate VandeHoef serving, and it's an ace for VandeHoef.

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To the largest lead. Now for the Warriors. Addison trying to hit Moeller. Go! Back row. Attack that one pushed back by Franken. She's going to hang around the net. Brantsen is called for the net violation. As Kurt Larkin, looking from above, spotted it.

A great idea to mix it up. Try to go up over the block by Moeller. They wanted her to have a different penalty, but they score again.

Addison goes outside. Out of system Brantsen over to Schmidt. Allen.

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And that one in for Avery Bitker comes in with a kill efficiency of better than 362. Showing you why they're.

Bitker doing a great job of turning to the corner as well, where the defense is not.

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Allen trying to set the bigs and does a great job setting the table.

She does. They brought in a middle hitter and the right side both on quicks, making it tough for the defense of the Warriors. But Allen a great quick set there to help her team score.

Adalynn Johnson able to get the side out. Brian Schubert his first season at North Scott. Head coach at assumption, guiding them to some championships. Trying to do the same with North Scott as Courteney Schmidt gets the side out.

Yes, it is three versus 12 here. I'm not talking seeds, I'm talking number three on the left, number 12 on the right. Forceful. Killed by Schmidt.

Allen just tips that over Franken tried to deposit it. Played well by the Lancers Sioux Center out of system. Goes back row to Schmidt and it works.

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Well, you see, in the middle. That's Maryn Franken six foot junior going to actually go play basketball at South Dakota State. And what a presence.

Yes, she's fantastic as well.

Allen goes to Moeller. Forget about it. What a combo between the two Allen and Moeller.

Yes, great connections there. Again through the block. Sioux Center has to get out there. They actually need to cheat towards that side because they don't want to see what it looks like when they hit through the block, because it's point Lancers.

Holverson able to connect with Franken. Here come the Lancers Moeller. Good. Dig out of the back.

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And again Holverson feeding the bigs. North Scott. Holding through and will get the side out. How about that? Adalynn Johnson putting that one away, right?

Great decision making by Addison Allen the setter for North Scott she went outside. She went outside. It didn't work. And then she went with a back set which was the assist.

And it will be an ace for North Scott.

Both teams playing at the top of their game. As a coach, you want your team to peak and both teams playing outstanding ball, serving so tough.

Weinert again. Franken tried to go deep.

Still forced the out of system ball.

Moeller attacking. See if she gets it again. Goes the opposite side and the block is there for Franken.

I'm surprised she didn't go right back and give it to Moeller. Moeller might have said, hey, give it to me again. Every single time you want your great player to say, give it to me every single time and you can't. As a setter.

Moeller might have a little issue with that today. She lost her voice in the semifinals yesterday, had been battling a cold. I don't know if she could call it out.

Without a voice. She is speaking loudly with her game.

Allen to the outside Moeller again. That one gets in. And it's a two point set. And a three.

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Point.

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North Scott will bring in Addison Miguel to serve.

We are only 15 to 13 here and Schmidt for Sioux Center already has five kills. Moeller already has five kills and they don't just get set in the front row. You see both teams utilizing their offense in the back row, setting their big hitters.

Now to Franken. Allen to the outside. Moeller too strong. And Sioux Center back up by four again and a Time-out going to be taken by Brian Schubert and North Scott.

Yeah, that ball there was set a little behind her. It got behind her head, which is why she went long.

Well, we've got more coming up here on Iowa PBS. How about this? The football championships coming up later this month from the Uni-dome in Cedar Falls. Plus girls wrestling on February 6th, boys wrestling on the 21st as it makes its return here to Iowa. PBS. Plus, the girls and boys state basketball tournaments. A lot of high school sports only on Iowa PBS. What an atmosphere here at the Extreme Arena. Earlier today, Waukee northwest defeated Ankeny Centennial three. Nothing. Now North Scott trying to add another championship. They've got some work to do here in the opening set down by four. And Sioux Center trying to get their school's first ever state volleyball title.

They are. There's a lot of fight in both of these teams. North Scott down right now by four. But I want to remind you in the fifth set against Clear Creek Amana yesterday, they were down 10 to 13 on the way to 15, and they scored five points in a row to win.

Unreal Comeback out of system ball here. Franken will track it back down. Played over by Brantsen Allen to the outside. Moeller gets it. What a dynamic player. Now she's committed to play at Southern Illinois Carbondale.

Again, that's just too easy of a ball for Sioux Center to send over. Then North Scott gets to be in system, and you can tell by the set that Moeller will crush it.

Bleeker back in as the setter. That's going to be played out as again, the Warriors front line putting a lot of pressure on the Lancers.

Yes, a good idea by Alyssa Schroeder to tip up over the block, but she didn't get quite high enough on the tip. She'll try it again.

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Brantsen gets it up and now over.

Three ball again.

Allen to Moeller out of the back row. Franken goes to the side to Vandenberg. That that's handled. Good effort on the back row. By Franken Schmidt long and North Scott gets the long point.

Sioux Center has to watch how many points in a row North Scott can score. They may need a time-out if they really get hot here.

Hey, with the ace.

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Ainsley Haedt with a brilliant serve. Dropping one in for a point.

Eight again. Schmidt. And that one did not get over the net. So it's ruled for hits and we are at a one point set and a time-out taken by the Warriors. Boy, a bevy of activity right at the net.

It sure is. What a game of momentum it was. Going Sioux Center's way for quite a while, and now it has swung in favor of North Scott.

17 for North Scott, 18 for Sioux Center. The Warriors have had a four point advantage a couple of different times, and for North Scott, you know, we mentioned how they survived against Clear Creek, Amana and they took down Dallas Center-grimes in the quarterfinals and avenged the earlier season loss. Looks like this team just won't quit.

They want. And those are two formidable foes. Dallas Center-grimes they have a Division one setter and Gwen Farley and the libero. Anna Jackson is just fantastic. And then Clear Creek Amana, led by Avery Lauer. She's going to Arizona State University to play basketball. She's super, as is their setter, Emily Henderson, and the super sophomore Julia Schlobohm, who actually had to sit out of that match for medical reasons.

1817. Cate, still serving, served aggressively as he dropped that one in and Sioux Center able to capitalize over the middle as Bitker able to get the side out again.

There's a double block there to go up and over is an empty spot on defense, brilliantly placed.

Here's Kate VandeHoef ready to serve it already with an ace in the set. Allen leaves it for Moeller. Boy, they are quite the duo, aren't they?

They sure are, but wow. One of our points was to feed the beast. There she is coming from the back row, going to the corner. That has so much velocity on it.

Allen serving. Franken out of the back row. Too strong and we're tied at 19. The first time we've been tied since we were all knotted up at four apiece.

Yeah, it's definitely no lead is safe against the Lancers.

Addison Allen again, this time goes to the far side of the court to serve Schmidt. That's some good clock work between Holverson and Schmidt.

Yes, I love the Holverson. She set the back row now. She came back and set Schmidt. I would feed her as often as she can now.

Kaylee Traver. Allen tracks that one down. will push it across into the middle Franken and Sioux Center getting their engines fired up again.

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The defense has to transition faster for North Scott to get back in their position and be able to cover that tip as well.

That one hits tape and gets an ace. And a time-out for North Scott. They'll use their second time-out as it's a three point advantage for Sioux Center.

Wow. Incredible serving for both teams. They are on fire. They are serving fireballs. It is tough to pass these balls well.

It certainly is. Well you know what? They have a lot of fun here at the state volleyball tournament. Here's a look at the Players Lounge, a staple at many Iowa girls teams tournaments. It's a place for teams to relax and hang out prior to and following competition. They can play games and watch live matches as they happen here at Extreme Arena. What was your favorite thing to do back in the players lounge?

I just heard giggles back there. They were having so much fun, right? It's not even fun to lose, but you know, six teams have lost to this point, so they're having fun as they finish out their season, especially with their seniors. They're having a good time as they cheer on other people in their class.

Well, North Scott after the time-out, wanting to get a side out. Let's see what they drew up as Traver will serve again.

So important on this initial pass to get it to the setter.

Allen to the outside. The ball strike too hard that time by Eller.

Yes, it's so difficult to get a great pass anytime the setter has to come out of the pink part of the floor, which is past the ten foot line, it reduces the chance for a kill.

, a service error puts us back at three.

And that's the risk reward balance. You want to serve. Tough. There will be a few more errors and that's okay. You want to keep the pressure on.

Here's Reese Jackson. Senior missed a little bit of time in the semifinal match against Clear Creek. Amana actually had to go out and get stitches in her bottom lip. But back playing today at full strength battle at the net, out of system ball Schmidt gets it and we're at set point.

We are Courteney Schmidt is so clever with her attacks. That one. She drops in and takes some speed off of it to have it drop in front of the defense.

Allen to Moeller. You knew that one was coming. With Allen ranging over and Moeller getting a charge towards the net, what transition?

She just crushed that ball.

Now, can the Lancers hold serve here? We'll see. Set point number two.

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Allen goes high to, handled by the Warriors. Back row attack. Schmidt too long. What? An opening set.

It sure is. You see, coach Julie Oldenkamp just smiling at her team. She likes that. They're trying to set the back row. She wants this point, though.

Holverson to the outside. And that's going to be ruled long by Brantsen. And it's a one point set. And a time-out going to be taken here by Sioux Center as they want to take this opener. Let's go inside of the North Scott huddle.

Line shot. Unless it's an open net it's not there for her. So out of system is going to say don't tense.

Up.

As Brian Schubert now going to address his team.

Nice job.

We got him right where we want him.

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Okay, let's take this set from him right here.

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Serve it good. Let's go. Are you in right now?

I'm in.

So if the set goes to the two ball, do not release. She's going to tip it right over. She's not going to try to hit it. Okay? Okay.

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Yeah. If it's the two ball in the middle eyes, you go to the left eyes. It's the two ball in the middle. You go to the left.

It's like a defensive strategy.

It is. You're not sure you could go left or right or stay where you are. But they want her going to the left there. But he's encouraging his team. Take this set. He believes in his team game point here. Set point.

Set point number three. And it's a service error.

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And Sioux Center takes the opening set 25 to 23. What a thriller. When we come back set number two you're watching the class four a state championship here on Iowa PBS.

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2523 Sioux Center takes the opening set against North Scott. Well, rising from the ashes for his second consecutive season. It's college wrestling, the heart of the match beats in the great state of Iowa will catch the grit, the glory and the champions of tomorrow featuring the Hawkeye women's cycling men and Division two and three, as well as some double headers. Join us as college wrestling coverage returns again this December here on Iowa PBS. And why don't we take a look at that schedule? How about this for the women on December 11th? Grandview against Iowa. That's going to be at Waukee Northwest High School. We've got a men's and women's doubleheader, Missouri Valley at Grandview coming up in January. Also later that month, a doubleheader in men's and women's wrestling Indian Hills at Iowa Central. What a battle that's going to be. And how about South Dakota State at Iowa State? Actually, that's going to be up at Humboldt High School and the men's wrestling Luther and Central to cap it off, in early February. What a lineup of college wrestling here on Iowa. PBS.

Whew.

What a shootout. In that opener.

It sure is. And as expected, when you look at the stat sheet, it's almost identical. Plus or minus one. The leader Courteney Schmidt for her Sioux Center team with seven kills, the leader for North Scott in kills with eight is Mackenzie Moeller great competitiveness on both sides of the court.

With Dr. Joanna Settles on BJ Schaben here from Extreme Arena in Coralville, you're watching the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union State volleyball championships. It's game number two of five here today on Iowa PBS. As the lineups are now set. We're about ready for that second set. The Lancers will begin on serve as it'll be Reese Jackson will get things going here for North Scott. Each team hitting really well on that opening set. As you had mentioned. As high pointing the ball that time was Schmidt handled. Moeller goes deep. What a dig out of the back by Traver and an attack error. North Scott will jump out in front here.

Yes. How about the hustle by Libero Ainsley Haedt? She's in the back. She comes all the way up to the net to get underneath the ball for a great pass.

Holverson tried to go quick. No Moeller the block.

The name of the game is aggressive serving and it makes it tough there. The overpass forces number ten there to go up and over in Holverson. Can't make it happen.

And a service error.

[APPLAUSE]

Sioux Center back on serve.

Yes, even Courteney Schmidt she goes back to serve. She'll be in the back row for three rotations, but they will continue to set her even in the back row.

Three one.

[APPLAUSE]

Yes, the middles switch here. Alyssa Schroeder, the middle blocker for North Scott. She's got to get to the left and to the right and close the block.

And another service error. We saw this in the opening set. It was nerves earlier. Now it's just aggressiveness right?

It is both teams with three service errors which is a lot. But three aces for Sioux Center two aces for North Scott but already two misses by the Lancers.

Allen with the back pass. Holverson. And how about that for Adison Brantsen will get the kill.

[APPLAUSE]

And she's playing so well. Brantsen we didn't mention, but she. This is her fourth kill. Good hustle on defense.

Allen leaves it for Moeller. She's going to get underneath that ball. And Sioux Center has their first lead here in the second set.

Yes. You can see her aggressiveness even when she's 15ft off the net and out of bounds. That one just has to go over and in.

Terrific. Up by hate. Holverson back pass. Tried to go with the push that time with VanDeBerg. A mile high pop up. No one home to catch it. As again, the Lancers put a lot of pressure on their swing.

They do. And that's why you attack the setter there. Setter number ten is Taylor Holverson and she always gets ball number two and that's why it dropped. It looks so obvious. But it's not. Everybody's transitioning to hit and it drops to the ground.

Addyson Miguel to serve. Pushed to the middle Franken blocked back that time Alyssa Schrader.

They don't call him middle hitters. They call him middle blockers for a reason. Watch her press over the net as it ricochets right back.

Bleeker again to Franken.

Tied up by.

Ball.

Bleeker again to the outside. Franken that gets down and we're tied at five.

As that ball was not hit hard, but it was hit in between the defenders. Another point by Adison Brantsen.

I beg your pardon? Brantsen on the kill. Now here's Franken. Again, another out of system ball. Moeller with the high point touch and that gets in and she finds the opening.

Yes, that's what great players do. They hit it hard, cross, hit it hard line. They can tip, they can roll and they can place it right over the net on the opposite side. Only the great, great ones can do that. And Moeller is one of them.

That ball batted back down by Schrader. They go to Schrader again. This time it's handled by the Warriors more easily. Here's Branson. To the outside, the big swing one and up by Franken. And right into the net. North Scott up by two.

Nice volley there. Even with some out of system balls. North Scott playing confidently.

North Scott has been on quite a roll since her struggles earlier on in the season. Their last loss was actually on September the 20th. You see Adison Brantsen get the side out. Much needed for Sioux Center and here we go. Another set that's just a battle or grinder. Sioux Center took the opening set. In case you're joining us late 25 to 23. An attack error will tie it up.

[APPLAUSE]

Too much for Kamilah Eller Eller.

[APPLAUSE]

Allen to Moeller. Roll shot. Perfection.

She can do it all.

[APPLAUSE]

Moeller set in the back row on the right side. The ball is behind her a little bit and she drops it in over the block.

Schmidt played up, but down right away in the middle. How about that for Avery Bitker?

That's always a fun play. Here's the overpass, she redirects it. Point goes to the Warriors.

Kate VandeHoef serving. Allen again. To the outside to Eller. That time fights through the block to get the point. North Scott maintains their lead here.

That was big there because that's such a strong rotation with Schmidt in the front row. When VandeHoef serves North Scott to do a first ball flight out. So important as they keep the lead.

Halverson. Trying to get it to her hitters now out of system. Free ball here for North Scott Allen leaves it to the middle. No touch and an attack error as Sioux Center will get the point to tie it up at nine.

And Moeller with a nice pass. They tried to go quick in the middle, but too deep.

Again, in the middle. This time will get the kill. That time goes straight down instead of long.

Yes, Paige Coon a nice job there in the middle. Staying behind the ball, bringing lots of heat.

Now here's Reese Jackson. Halverson to the outside. Schmidt. Oh, great effort that time by hate. And it pays off as North Scott goes up by two again.

McKenzie Moeller cuts that spike and drops it in. She is an incredible player. That's a hard ball to kill. It's coming from behind her from the middle, and she plays it so well.

And we're going to see a net violation called against Sioux Center. Well, actually a.

Lift.

That net was moving pretty good. 12 nine now North Scott up by three.

I like the idea of Franken to go over the block, but it has to be less contact with the ball.

The block back. Kept alive. VandeHoef over to Schmidt. Straight up by hate along that back line. Moeller. Quick pass again. North Scott keeping it alive. Schmidt gets the point for Sioux Center. A much needed side out. What a point!

Yes, look at that defense giving it all, trying to get it over. But there's an end system ball and Schmidt scores.

[APPLAUSE]

Moeller gets it. McKenzie Moeller has been on such a roll, it's like you just get the ball in her neighborhood, she's going to find it and strike it hard.

She absolutely will. But nice balance out of the middle by North Scott from both Paige Coon and Alyssa Schroeder doing their part.

Holverson over to the opposite side. The roll shot handled by North Scott Moeller again goes right back at you with the roll shot. What a magician.

It's not just the roll, it's the hanging in the air. Dropping it across just right over the net to bring all the hype to the Lancers of North Scott.

Time out, taken here by North Scott. Well, as you may have heard, Congress recently cut 3.5 million in federal funding to Iowa PBS. This is the largest one time cut in our 55 year history, affecting about 18% of our budget. These funds help maintain our statewide network, delivering trusted local programs to every corner of Iowa. Despite that challenge, we're committed to our mission to educate, inform, enrich, and inspire. Thanks for watching and supporting public media. Please consider a gift of Friends of Iowa PBS today by scanning the QR code or calling the phone number on your screen right now. And as always, thank you for your support.

The North Scott Lancers play in the Mississippi Athletic Conference. It is a very difficult conference to play in. Three of their teams are here in five. A Pleasant Valley is here. They are here in four and three. A Davenport assumption. So quality losses, the ten losses that North Scott has getting them ready to compete so well today.

[APPLAUSE]

VandeHoef with the up. Ten North Scott that back line has been really good and they feed it to the front to a McKenzie Moeller and the Big Mac is on attack. 1510 North Scott.

She sure is. And that is not an easy ball. It's not set three feet off. That's about eight feet off the net for her to drop it in with a line shot is so impressive.

And a service error.

Put.

Sioux Center will be back on serve with Taylor Holverson. Allen to the outside. Moeller. Yep. Just bites right through that block.

She does Moeller magic is in the house.

15 kills for McKenzie Moeller North Scott trying to even up this match. Bleeker good punch that time. By VanDeBerg forced the issue. Moeller with the fist kept alive here. Good. Up out of the back by Jackson. Here's Moeller. 16 kills for Moeller and we're just in the second set.

We are. But how about number four for North Scott? Addyson Miguel we missed the pancake, but reaping the rewards of that is Mackenzie Moeller.

Quick tap. Moeller will put it up. Allen goes back to the middle. Schroeder. Bleeker back pass. Kate will find Moeller. Again. Sioux Center trying to go to the middle. Lancers right there.

Great placement.

Long point again. Here's Moeller you saw the line. What a shot. And you saw it right in your living room. My goodness, what a way to cut that ball. Watch this again. ZIP. And a time out for Sioux Center as North Scott has their largest lead here at 18 to 11.

What a combination from hate to Allen to Moeller.

[LAUGHTER]

How much offensive.

Execution do we have? Yeah. None. Okay. Right. So that's it. We're playing defense. Defense, defense. Okay. That's the problem here okay. All right. We're not crisp.

Enough on offense okay. Which is why we're eating it. Right okay. All right. So we got to clean up the ball on our side. First of all okay. Hitters keep working hard okay. All right. But we need to stick that pass.

[LAUGHTER]

And I need voices as we come up to hit.

[LAUGHTER]

Okay.

[LAUGHTER]

Hold that block as long as we can. And then as we cover, let's talk to our hitters, okay. All right. I think we're second guessing ourselves a little bit offensively.

[LAUGHTER]

Get up and rip. Okay. Defensively.

[LAUGHTER]

You got to pursue outside in.

[LAUGHTER]

Come on.

[LAUGHTER]

Go.

[LAUGHTER]

Yes.

[LAUGHTER]

Come on right now Warriors 123. Go. Hustle hustle hustle hustle.

All right. Wanting to get some. Oh. Going. Does head coach Julie Oldenkamp and Sioux Center.

Yes. They're playing way too much defense as we see North Scott put it away too much. They really have to pursue the volleyball. I love the focus on being crisp on offense.

Big strike and what a way to get it going.

Adison Brantsen that.

Kill some crispy offense?

It's a much needed side out. They try to fight through their largest deficit of the match. Mary Maryn Franken serving.

Yeah, you have to love that as a coach, she said. Stick the pass. They executed everything that she reminded them to do.

And a little too high and hard on the tip for Bleeker side out North Scott.

[APPLAUSE]

Moeller to serve. Bleeker to the outside. The roll shot handled by Schroeder and Allen.

Schroeder rose up on that double block and hung in the air. Watch her hangtime here she goes up on the right side, stays there, puts it right back over.

The block. And what power by Sioux Center to get that one down as Jorgia VanDeBerg.

[APPLAUSE]

And a service error. And North Scott hitting the runway to taking set number two.

Yes. Even though they lost at number one, they were never rattled. And they came back so confidently from their set one loss to a big lead here in set number two.

Bleeker goes to the outside Schmidt. Kate tried to put that one up for her teammate and Eller, but a little too much on that as that ball went out of system.

It was that's way too close for an out of system ball. As you see hate passing it there with her platform. It really should be five feet off the net and five feet inside the net. And five feet inside the sideline. And that was way too close, which trapped Moeller.

And off of a bad receive Sioux Center starting to gain some momentum momentum as Bitker throws that one right back.

That's great. Aggressive serving.

Allen to Eller and that's it. Long. No touch. As Sioux Center starting to creep back into this after being down by as many as eight. And an ace. VandeHoef is serving them right back into this. And a Time-out going to be taken here by North Scott.

[MUSIC]

Here it is. There's Kate VandeHoef serving deep line for the ace, and all the excitement for the Warriors.

So North Scott up 21 to 17 and you have to wonder about North Scott coming into this. They've played nine sets now, playing in set number 11 of the state tournament in three days. You play in weekend tournaments, but you don't play that many sets. You don't play best of fives, you play best of threes. How much gas could be in their tank for this? For a state championship?

Well, they are kardiac kids and there's so much adrenaline that they will crash later tonight and sleep in tomorrow till noon. But right now it is pedal to the metal and bringing everything you have. They're not tired at all.

And the other part of. this again, the first ever meeting between the two teams. So they're really starting to learn a lot about one another, how they perform, how they play, their tendencies.

Yes. But no matter who you play, you take care of things on your side of the net. And that starts with a great pass.

Off the slide. The block back by Schmidt. Sioux Center trying to come back from as many as eight down.

Yes. Courteney Schmidt there. Big block.

Trying to find Moeller out of the back row. That one tipped up. over to Allen. They go with the roll shot to Eller and that's denied. Avery Bitker.

A good idea to try to tip it over, do a little more off speed, but you have to get it up over that block so it can drop in. And that was too low.

Allen again goes to the middle. The good up that time Brantsen was the one to get it up. And you see four hits by Sioux Center. So a much needed side out here for North Scott.

Yes, Brantsen with a great dig there, but a hitting error by Schmidt gives the ball back to the Lancers.

Holverson to Schmidt good up by hate. Allen to the outside. Eller played to the back. No one home. Schmidt finds a happy home.

For Sioux Center. What a heady play to go back on. One. She knew that the the offense had shifted all the way to one side. You see the whole thing. It comes over, she goes right back deep and nobody's home.

Traver Sirve Allen. Going to go to the middle. Johnson thought the ball was tipped. No tip. And it's a one point set.

It is. Love the offense. They're coming in quick. Both the middle and the right side for North Scott. But it doesn't fall inbounds.

Allen to Moeller out of the back row. VandeHoef with the up Schmidt with the left hand.

[LAUGHTER]

That was acrobatic with the left hand. Close fist.

And finally put away by Adalynn Johnson.

Yes, she didn't like the last one. Went out of bounds. That one came with more power than she's had all day. It's Adalynn Johnson number six on the right side. Putting it down.

Reese Jackson here. Holverson to the middle. Played well. That was deflected up. Moeller. Giving free facials here in the finals of class four. A.

Set point. North Scott coming off a huge point. Number 24. Kill by Mackenzie Moeller.

Schmitt with the blast. And this one will play for another point or more.

And it is quite a show here. Number three for the Lancers. Number 12 for the Warriors. This is fantastic for a volleyball.

Set point number two Schmidt serves and it's a service and North Scott takes the second set as we are tied at a set apiece for a state championship here on Iowa PBS.

[MUSIC]

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[MUSIC]

Some.

[MUSIC]

VanDeBerg I want you fade away.

[MUSIC]

See you in my next life. See you in my next life. See you, see you, see you in my next life. See you in the next life. Yeah. See you in the next life.

Local, regional and national artists take the stage to perform original sets and share their musical journeys on studio three. Live. Enjoy weekly performances Fridays at 830, online or as a podcast. How about this? We're all knotted up at a set apiece. Sioux Center takes the opener. North Scott takes the second. We move on to the third. Well, stay connected with Iowa PBS sports. No matter where you're watching from, join the conversation. Follow us on Facebook and X and use hashtag Iowa PBS sports to enjoy the championships with other fans.

[MUSIC]

Well, with Dr. Joanna Settles on BJ Schaben. What a for a match. We've got North Scott and Sioux Center battling it out here from Extreme Arena in Coralville. It's been loads of fun here so far. As expected here in the four A title match.

Yes, it's loud in here. Both student sections on their feet most of the time. They quick a quick break here only on the between set time. But let's look at the stats here. One thing that is starting to separate is North Scott hitting percentage. They're almost hitting 200 Sioux Center only hitting 127, leading in kills. Courteney Schmidt with ten, Bitker with six, and Brantsen with five and 18. Big kills for Moeller and four on the right side from Adalynn Johnson happening just when they need a point.

All right.

Let's.

That little guy looks like he has a lot of fuel here for set number three. Let's see what we've got as Sioux Center will start on serve with Kaylee Traver five seven.

Senior Sioux Center has four aces so far there. Continue to serve tough. They know it's going to be back and forth. They will take that risk and serve tough. They had ten aces in that semifinal round. Only four so far. There were three in the first set, just one in the second. They want more.

We have seen a few service errors. Now we're marked ready for play for both teams as Reese Jackson on serve. Here's a big splash by Smith.

[APPLAUSE]

Good afternoon, says Courteney Schmidt.

That's phenomenal. In system volleyball with a big kill by Schmidt.

Allen to the outside, that's Moeller with the roll shot off the slide. Franken handled by the Lancer de Moeller. No one's been able to handle her so far. Another kill for McKenzie Moeller.

Side.

Here in set number three. Moeller has 18 kills. It's impressive to get 15. Anything over that? You have to put this in perspective. This is a huge number.

Battle at the net. Moeller goes deep. How about another kill?

[APPLAUSE]

Three. One North Scott.

She's not done yet. Well placed. Love that she hit that open corner deep to the left.

Weinert will put it in play. The service error if you're Sioux Center and many teams have had a challenge with this, how do you try to contain McKenzie Moeller? But it almost seems as if it's thrown off Sioux Center offense that they've had to try to play so much defense as they come back on this side.

It does. It's hard to go against such a stellar player in Moeller.

Schroeder went high for the ball battle at the net, kept alive by Sioux Center Holverson to the outside. Big swing, but too hard that time. By Brantsen and North Scott will jump out to A42 advantage.

Yeah, Sioux Center is used to being in command of every set. They're used to the lead, so it does feel different when they're behind, when they're trying to catch up, they have to keep their fight on.

Romee Bleeker will now enter again. Here she is passing to the outside. And a net violation Sioux Center will get the point.

Yes, that was Alyssa Schroeder in the net. There.

Here's Maryn Franken. Moeller Schmidt with the up Schroeder couldn't get up underneath the ball as that received was a little strong, but effective nonetheless. Tied at four now.

Yes. You always want to capitalize on those overpasses, but the middle mistimed it. There.

Yeah. Even though there's a ice rink here in the building. It's hot in here. And these two teams are providing the heat. No question. Allen to the outside. Moeller that one hits the antenna. And Sioux Center will have their first lead here in the third set.

I love the leadership there. By Moeller. It was set out a bit too far by Allen, but Mackenzie said, hey, that's my bad, I'll do better.

For every time. Moeller strikes the ball she's had. I mean, she puts the defense certainly on their toes and attack error will tie it up at five.

Here she does. And just the pressure she puts on even with that hit it wasn't a kill, but it forces the air on the other side of the net.

[APPLAUSE]

To serve.

A small deep breath here for Sioux Center as North Scott McKenzie Moeller goes to the back row for three rows.

[LAUGHTER]

And it pays off as Adison Brantsen able to slice it.

I'm not sure if she meant to do the trick shot or not. Very effective by Adison Brantsen I think it came off her hand wrong to drop it in for the point.

Pate will play it up Allen to the back row attack from Moeller. Allen to the outside. Sioux Center from the back row. A little bit of an out of system ball. And gets down for Smith.

[APPLAUSE]

Courteney Schmidt smiling there. Has her handshake and clap with her teammates. Loving when the ball is put right where she wants it and can go cross court for the kill.

Brooke Rocca now into the contest here for North Scott. Allen goes to the middle to Schroeder boy collision. Everyone's okay for the Warriors. Allen again. Back row attack. Moeller Sioux Center able to stave that one off now. Schmidt deep Moeller with the up the overpass kept alive. Hate puts it up. And now an opportunity for the warriors. They go to the middle Moeller down low Schroeder with the blast and it pays off.

What a volley that is going long back and forth. Everybody in it. There it goes from Moeller. She had to tip it over. A big dig by Moeller there to get the ball to her setter. Tipped over by Alyssa Schroeder point Lancers.

Schmidt with the blast off of her fingertips and Sioux Center will get the side out.

Schmidt really effective here as of late, and she and her team have a two point lead, which is a lot here in set number three. They're up 8 to 6.

VandeHoef. Off the slide. Great. Up out of the back row by Franken. Rocca. Holverson goes with the dump. We're just going back and forth. Schmidt. Allen to the outside. Rocca. It's a mis hit. And Sioux Center up by three.

I was surprised they didn't go back to Moeller in the back row. Look for them to do that on their next opportunity.

Allen to the outside. Big swing that time by Eller and it pays off.

[APPLAUSE]

This ball goes to the outside. Kamilah Eller Eller hits it hard to the middle.

Holverson to Schmidt. Side out or again North Scott gets the point.

And you can see Holverson having to run all over the court to get her feet under ball number two. And that's because of the tough serving by North Scott.

Holverson leaves it for the middle and it pays off. How about that? Bitker with the kill?

Yes, it's all about sticking that initial pass. And they did that time to side out quickly.

To Kaylee Traver. Holverson to the middle. Big shot North Scott hits fingertips on their way through.

I like that big shot. North Scott. There she is. McKenzie Moeller coming from the back row.

And Moeller this time just takes care of the overpass and we're tied at ten.

That's a beautiful redirect. She's ready. She's hungry at the net. It comes right to her and she just shifts it over to the right for another attack.

Lancers able to erase a three point deficit off the slide. Maryn Franken?

Yes. Her kills continue to accumulate. She has over 500 this season. Nice slide.

It's going to be deflected. And Sioux Center goes up by two North Scott was celebrating.

Yes, I think Jackson was going to take it. And then she heard some people yell out and then she decided not to. And then she knew it was in. So she decided to. And that caused the two aces in a row.

Courteney Schmidt how about that? This is a Sioux Center team seeded second here at the state volleyball tournament. They're coming off of last season in which they had six starters graduate. This is totally rebuilt. But man, there was a lot of ammunition there. And another ace for Schmidt.

Three in a row. Are you kidding me? Outstanding. There are 48 teams in class four, and we hadn't seen Sioux Center for a long time. Of course, Dallas, Center-grimes, Norwalk, Pella, all in the same conference. Pella beat both of them. So you're like, really? Should Sioux Center be the number two seed? Yes, they should.

Moeller roll shot. Brantsen gets a much needed advantage there in the middle as they go up 15 to 10 and a time-out here by North Scott.

[APPLAUSE]

Let's go inside of the huddle. We'll check in with North Scott in a moment, but a five point advantage here for Sioux Center over North Scott after this one was tied up at ten. Each team has had some runs here.

Incredible serving. Just on that last play that was Adison Brantsen. She made contact so high just to get the very top and just nick the fingers of the block for that roll shot to fall in. So using all sorts of ways to score and lead her team as they're up in set number three.

So the Lancers, you know, we wondered about how much energy do you have this this is going to be one of those moments when you think back, okay, how exhausted are they? They they drove back to their high school last night, watched some game film, tried to rehydrate. And they've been going back and forth all week.

Sioux Center, of course has not. They've stayed here in.

This position.

Yes. Having fun. And they're fresh.

A few hundred miles away as Sioux Center Moeller can't get it over. And the Warriors go up by six.

And there's that big smile again from Courteney Schmidt. She is serving tough, making it more difficult for McKenzie Moeller to get a kill.

You think about Sioux Center finishing second in the Siouxland Conference this year, 17 and three against teams above 500. They've been able to put them away, outscoring their opponent by an average of five per set. As Adalynn Johnson gets the big side out for North Scott.

[APPLAUSE]

Adalynn Johnson, now with five kills. Why is that so important? Is because she's a right side hitter, so the middle blockers for Sioux Center cannot cheat. And over to the Moeller side, they have to respect her on the right side as well.

Holverson goes quick and it pays off.

Here it is. So sneaky, so clever. Holverson over on two for the setter dump.

Now she'll serve and an error. Opening set goes to Sioux Center 2523 in the second. Another close set all the way through 2522. North Scott won.

It.

[LAUGHTER] [APPLAUSE]

And here in the third, we've seen three ties, one lead change so far. Bleeker goes over to VanDeBerg. Moeller. The big push. And we're going to see a double hit.

That was when they call the double hit. It's nice that it's obvious. You're like yes. She made two distinctively different touches. One with her right hand, one with her left. So it's easy and more fun to agree with a call that was correct.

And a new rule this year for Iowa high school volleyball. On the double. If it goes over.

Yeah, I like it. Let the kids decide if you're going to set a double to your own team, then they can deal with it because it's usually worse than it would have had it been a clean touch. So I like it.

Julie Oldenkamp talking about representing northwest Iowa with some pride here in the state championship, and here in the third set, the Warriors are going up by six.

Brantsen to serve.

They're keeping this big lead. It was 1711. Now we're 1913.

Brantsen serve tracked down by hate.

Here comes the offense.

Yeah. Opportunity to get it going. Bleeker goes to the middle to Brantsen. I beg your pardon? Bitker Schmidt high pointing back row. Moeller. What an up. Big swing by Eller this time he gets down. Boy Adison Brantsen leaving it on the court. They're trying to get these balls up. Just couldn't catch up to the Eller shot.

One thing that was important. You saw her get back quickly. Take a full transition so she could hit it hard.

Eller with the quick punch.

Kamilah Eller back to back points. Big smile. Lots of fun.

And here come the Lancers hate. Schmidt with the big swing side out Sioux Center.

That's 14 big ones for Courteney Schmidt. Countering that is McKenzie Moeller now with 22, we continue to keep an eye on those stats. Of those two outstanding hitters.

And a service error. Seen this a time or two so far in this match. Haven't we a team get a big lead and see it consolidate down as we come down the stretch?

Yes, it's always exciting when you get to 20 points first and Sioux Center is in that. But a missed serve gives North Scott a chance.

Holverson goes to the middle to Bitker back row attack. Moeller. Now to the side. Brantsen that one hit the antenna so North Scott going to get the point.

Again. We say McKenzie Moeller so many times, but how about Adalynn Johnson? There? She turned line. Hit it hard. It was short and she scores. Bringing all the momentum that they need to go into this time out on a run here. Only down 1720.

So Sioux Center taking the time-out here 20 to 17. Well, earlier this week, middle school youth clinic attendees here in Coralville wrote fun and inspiring messages on note cards and posted them to walls backstage at Xtream Arena. They hope to fire up state tournament athletes to compete here at the highest level. So many of those around and there's a nice little note card being posted. One of my favorites was from Libby, an eighth grader from West Liberty. Inspiring message to all the teams as they entered. It's been a fun week here in Coralville.

It is. I love walking in those halls and seeing. Invest in yourself. Be a great teammate. Always great reminders.

For the winner trying to get the roses and to be up on that stage. That's where the champions are crowned. What a what a class four, a championship we've got here and an ace to get things going. After the time-out, Addison Allen. It's a two point.

Set after the miss serve by Sioux North Scott got really excited. They had a huddle on the court and they've been on fire since believing in their team.

Schmidt big strike blocked back. How about that? Paige Coon. And it's a one point set.

It's tough serving. They have to stick a pass right here.

Holverson leaving it to the middle Pate with the up.

[APPLAUSE]

They'll go back row to the Warriors. Pate can't get square with it. And Maryn Franken and company working hard to get that point.

And there was a situation that Franken probably would have been called for a double. But she kept it on her own side. And so they don't need to call that.

Allen to the middle pays off. Now they're starting to find their middles. Johnson that time with the kill.

Johnson showing off her versatility, she usually hits right side on that one little play. She was out of the middle, hitting it hard.

Reese Jackson serving and an ace. And we're tied at 21.

It's amazing how fast a six point lead can disintegrate. And that's what happened. And it's 21 all with all the momentum for North Scott.

Holverson trying to go with Franken deep and North Scott, believe it or not, has come back to take the lead down by as many as six here. And Sioux Center will burn their final time-out. Let's go inside of that Sioux Center huddle.

Gotta sharpen up on this side of the court, okay? All right. We're doing uncharacteristic things. Okay? All right, stick passes side out. Okay. We gotta swing when we can. Here, don't get in a tip or. Okay? Swing when we can. We gotta stay aggressive. Swing to win. But also, if we're out of system, we got make smarter choices about what we're doing. Right. Okay. Hey, the other thing is, you guys, if you don't serve it like you mean it. Okay, then they run the middle, right? Okay, so you got to get back there and serve it like you mean it, right? Okay. We've talked about this all out communication okay. All right.

[LAUGHTER]

Hey, now's where we go to work okay?

[LAUGHTER]

Come on. Now's where we shine. Hey, hey, hey, pour into the people next to you. Come on. We need everybody. Come on. Warriors one, two, three.

Break that down for us.

I love it. Big smiles from coach. Serve it like you mean it. But it's a run. A 9 to 2 run right now with North Scott. They want to be in system so badly. Sioux Center does. But it depends on this pass right here.

Second lead change. Just a moment ago, that one kept alive by hate Allen will push it back. Holverson goes to the outside Schmidt hate with the up. And North Scott keeps it rolling with Adalynn Johnson. This team just won't quit.

They're relentless again. Down six coming back. What a run! They're on.

Holverson to the middle. Blocked back. Schmidt with the punch. Moeller! How about the up out of the back? These two teams laying it on the court. Moeller. And we are at set point.

So much incredible teamwork right there. You have Allen working so hard to set up a good ball. Hates all over defensively. There she is with one arm keeping the ball alive.

Hey. Oh. Just returned on the other side by Traver. The liberos are going off on the back row.

The left hand.

And now we're going to see a lift and North Scott after losing the opening set, takes a two sets to one lead as we go to the fourth. As you're watching the class four, a state volleyball championship here on Iowa PBS.

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Wow. We go to the fourth set. North Scott leading it. Two sets to one. As we have seen some outstanding play. Sioux Center in the opening set had command of this one, winning it 25 to 23. Schmidt was electric early on. Then in the second set, North Scott kicked it into gear, got up by as many as eight and held on. McKenzie Moeller got rolling and rolling is what she's been doing. 24 kills so far for Mackenzie. And now in the third set, coming back from six down, a lot of grit, a lot of determination performed by the Lancers as they're able to capture the third set 2521.

So much excitement in here. North Scott finished set number three. They're on a 12 to 2 run. It was believe in our team. Let's keep going. And I'm so impressed. 12 to 2. Are you kidding me? So great. And it's not just Mackenzie. It's everybody on defense. Ainsley Haedt the libero doing everything she can. And Adalynn Johnson coming through with four kills in set number three alone.

Wow.

Call your friends. Call your neighbors. You're seeing something here now. Can Sioux Center bounce back here in the fourth and force a fifth? That's what they want to get their school's first ever state title in volleyball and North Scott. They're trying to win their second since 2023.

Yes, Sioux Center has seven aces today, but it's countered by ten service errors. They have to clean up their serve and get it over and in tough.

So we begin the fourth Reese Jackson. Right away, Sioux Center tries to go deep. Jackson plays it forward to Allen the high tip by Johnson. Now back over Jackson again with the up they go outside Moeller. What a strike. What an up though by Traver. Hate to Allen to the middle can't get it down Schmidt. Allen back here to the near side. That one's going to be played up. And how about the spank put on the ball by Adalynn Johnson to get it through that block? What an opening point.

She has just come alive. And it's just great that she's on the right side to counterbalance McKenzie Moeller. And Sioux Center doesn't have an answer.

Schmidt. There's an answer.

Never mind. Yes they do. It's Courteney Schmidt. What a set! What a hit!

I mean, now she rotates her back to the back row.

She does. She's only in the front row a little bit. I don't quite understand that. I know she's phenomenal in all six rotations, but they will miss her in the front row.

Johnson that one deflected away and North Scott goes up.

[APPLAUSE]

Adalynn Johnson number 6A58 outside hitter. She comes into the tournament with 157 kills. She's a senior and she's playing like one.

A little misplay and it's an ace for Eisley Weinert. Weinert again. Holverson tried to hit it to the outside, to Branson, but the block is on. As Allen redirects for one North Scott.

Yes, this is Eisley Weinert serving. She's missed a few, serves early, but keeps her composure. Keeps pressing on, gets an ace.

And a little long. There. Service error for two. Our score again. The fourth set the Lancers under the direction of Brian Schubert. Here's a coach that was headed to retirement after coaching at assumption, and a few weeks before the season, the position became open. She's like, you know what? I can play pickleball anytime. And what a job he's done guiding his team here to the state championship and up two sets to one.

Yes. And there you see him, his pen on his hat. Really? No reaction. Moeller hits it out of bounds. Go for the next one. Next play mentality.

Here's Allen. Out of the back row. Out of system. Traver goes to Brantsen. Allen again. Moeller in.

McKenzie Moeller. That's why you believe in your players like he does so well. It's okay to hit one out once in a while because she comes back and strikes it so hard.

Bleeker now in at setter. Allen to the outside. Moeller roll shot. Effective 26 kills. Now for McKenzie Moeller.

So effective with that roll shot after hitting it hard and deep the first time.

Traver able to get up underneath the ball, and that's going to be a missed play as Franken had it go off the side of her hand.

And nice decision there by Libero Ainsley Haedt going to the line and stopping. Make sure it's going out and you hear the student section for North Scott saying you can't stop her.

[LAUGHTER]

Out of system ball. Tough one. Easy for the defense of North Scott.

Allen tries to go to Schroeder and Sioux Center gets a much needed.

[APPLAUSE]

Side out.

Yes, we're in set four here, but you have to realize what great teams were beaten for these two to end up here. You talk about Sergeant Bluff-luton who was here. Bree van de top. She had 300 kills this season. Marion. They have the fabulous freshmen in Abby Kirk with nearly 400 kills. Norwalk with the super sophomore, Ellie Hatlevik, one of the leaders in class four A as well.

An ace for Moeller. What a day. They go up by five.

What a day. And I have to finish off with Pella there. The outside hitter, Katie Scheckel more than a thousand kills, a thousand assists, a thousand digs in her career. One of Iowa's best, as well as Brooke Schulte, Abby Brand, Ella Hiemstra, Natalia Plate and my daughter Julia settles on that Pella team.

Jorgia VanDeBerg able to get the side out now. There's tremendous talent in class four. A no question. And North Scott getting hot at the right time of the year. Service error Lancers have doubled up the Warriors here in the fourth.

Yes, a five point lead is big by North Scott. Important to get it right back. If you're Sioux Center.

Schmidt blast and it did not cross the net. So North Scott going up by six.

You can see the ball going right into the tape for a four touch call. It did not cross. Very high high high.

Out of the back. Good. Up out of the back row. By Moeller and Sioux Center will capture the point.

Nice job by Sioux Center keeping the pressure on with a nice attack.

And Romee Bleeker will check out Kate VandeHoef VandeHoef. Excuse me. Coming in to serve?

Yes. VandeHoef needing to score a three points in a row or more for her team.

Off the slide. The block. It's out side out. North Scott.

Nice slide there. By Paige Coon. Number 11 coming out of the middle to the right side on that slide off the block.

VandeHoef will put it forward and cash that one in.

Great job of sticking the initial serve receive pass to get the serve back.

Watch Avery Bitker here. That's when the middle knows they're going to get the ball. Eyes got big and hand got big as well.

Yes. She hit outside of the block. Nice work.

Traver able to get her left hand on it now. Schmidt hate to Allen Moeller back row hits tape kept alive by Traver. Hate again to Allen this time to go to the outside that's blocked up and blocked out. We're putting a charge into that ball was Adalynn Johnson.

Yes, she's surely come alive. Sioux Center had to do a free ball. They sent a really high ball over. But Ainsley Haedt for North Scott went with a faster tempo ball to her setter. Addison Allen. And then it was Johnson for the kill.

And no serve time-out.

[APPLAUSE]

First for Sioux Center, no serve time-out. Sioux Center will remain at 13 seven as Julie Oldenkamp wants to talk things over with her team as North Scott trying to win another championship. Last one back in 2023. They made seven straight state tournament appearances, just have four starters back from last season's team and the way they started the year, losing five of their first eight. Who would have thought they would be in this position right now?

Well, they have that comeback kid mentality. They don't care if they're down. They know that they can turn things around quickly, which is what they did in set number three. With that 12 to 2 run. And then it is full steam ahead for them. They didn't look down in that early part of their season. With so many quality losses. Again, like Iowa City, West was one of them. Davenport assumption, both teams that are here in the tournament and they just got better.

And for Sioux Center, their team motto this year is why not us? And they have to be thinking why not us? Make a good comeback here down by six here in the fourth set and force a fifth. This is after they took the opening set 25 to 23.

Yes. And they have their own roadblock. And that they lost three in a row late or in the middle part of October, and then came back strong and have lost since.

Hate able to get it over Holverson to the outside. Schmidt blocked back, but out. That's a key point here for Sioux Center.

It was. That was a little messy on both sides, but Schmidt takes it into her own hands for another kill that gives her 15.

Schmidt a service error.

There's no good time for a service error, and this definitely was not one. Now down 8 to 14, a six point deficit is going to be tough to come back from.

Eisley Weinert again. And how about Schroeder waiting on the overpass?

Those are so fun. If you're a middle hitter, you just love them. They come right to you. You can redirect to your left or the right. She goes to the right side and puts it right down.

Laid up for the outside to Brantsen Moeller. Boy, she is hitting it well inside of that ten foot line. How difficult is it to receive a shot like that?

It's so difficult. Most hitters cannot do that. This is only the elite high school players are able to hit that cross short shot into the four position and she's done it. She has 26 kills so far.

Off the slide. Pays off as Maryn Franken gets the side out for Sioux Center.

Franken a great approach, a great swing for her. We know how difficult it is to serve, and I want to highlight one of the best servers in Four-a the best, most efficient server in Four-a comes from southeast Iowa, from Mount Pleasant. Abby McCarthy serve 350 times this year. BJ and she got 350 of the 350 in. So how about that? Abby McCarthy? What efficiency there in Mount Pleasant for first year head coach Alicia Schrader and her teammates Andy Scott, Addison Clark, Kate Musselman, Kaylee White and Maya Starr. Great job Abby.

I don't think many people can do 350 things in a row.

Correct? She's so fundamental. I actually coached her in basketball when she was younger, and she was so fundamental. Actually doesn't surprise me. But to actually execute perfection, it might be the best ever all time. 350.

Seven point advantage. Now off the slide, Schrader no touch Sioux Center will get the point.

Yeah. Schrader didn't transition well enough. She kind of came over at five feet off the net. She needed to get behind the ball to get on top of it, to put it away.

Maryn Franken. Allen to Moeller blocked back. Whoa! The block is on as Jorgia VanDeBerg. Tries to redirect traffic up front.

I love this fourth set fight by the Warriors to keep them in it. They are inching back only down by five now.

Tough serve Allen to Moeller. And an attack error. And look at this from an eight point deficit down to four. North Scott is going to burn a time-out here.

Well, that set was pushed out too far past the antenna. The only option there is to hit that cross. She went line or hitting her.

Block up there okay, but a great hitter. What's she going to do next. Watch that roll okay. Watch this one here. Watch that one here. Okay. We gotta go okay. Beautiful service pressure. That's what we've been talking about. Right? Okay. We can get our defense set that way okay. Who's got momentum? Yes. Come on Warriors, ride it. Ride it. Let's go. Come on, come on.

[LAUGHTER]

Play with your hearts. Come on, let's go. Warriors 123. Fight, fight!

Love the energy inside of that huddle. Julie Oldenkamp has been trying to will her team to get back into this match. After being down by as many as eight, it's now down to four.

Can they come back and win? Set number four, she says right at Warriors. Play with your heart. It starts with this serve right here, right now. Number four Maryn Franken.

Franken goes deep Moeller out of system. High points it and it's effective side out. North Scott.

Yes, coach Julie Oldenkamp said she's going to come back with a tip. Be ready. It's so hard to be ready for a hard shot and a tip, but beautifully executed there by the neck server. McKenzie Moeller.

Allen off the slide. Schrader. Handled by the Warriors. And how about just forcing the issue? VanDeBerg and Brantsen in the middle have been quite the duo over the last few points.

They sure have, but a great pass there by Sioux Centers Courteney Schmidt Romee Bleeker putting up a great ball on the set.

Allen back room Moeller. Franken. Going to be played up. Allen leaves it high. Schmidt. Allen. Again, this time to Eller great effort along that back line. Now. Brantsen.

Good control shot.

Eller free ball here for Sioux Center. Can they work with it? Bleeker to the middle, played up and we're going to see a net violation.

In transition. Courteney Schmidt got it on the net. There. You can see her wrist touch the top of the net.

Bleeker to the outside. Schmidt. What a blast.

Pounding it through. But a great serve. Receive pass by Adison Brantsen to give the ball to her. Setter to go to Bleeker to Schmidt for the point.

VandeHoef serving. Off the slide. The blast that was deflected. North Scott will get the point. Paige Coon with the.

Kill.

She's been quiet for a while, but that was a loud point from Paige Coon coming out of the middle with the slide shot.

And Sioux Center is sending their captain over to talk to Kurt Larkin about the deflection. About whether it was touched or not. Was Maryn Franken. Allen serving Schmidt again with the blast. This time touched up out of system Moeller. Holverson. Allen able to make a good athletic move, but too strong on the tap over.

Sioux Center doing a nice job of keeping the pressure on, staying aggressive, trying to hit the corners to try to have North Scott make an error. And they do. There.

So Traver. Moeller back row row shot Traver too strong.

Wow. McKenzie Moeller uses every single tool in her toolbox. We see it out of the left side in the front row. Now out of the back row in the middle. She drops in the roll shot to that open donut hole on the defense of the Warriors.

Schmidt able to capitalize.

She does. She has such an incredible Burt. She really gets on top of the ball and hit it with the palm of her hand to make the trajectory go right down in front of the defense of the Lancers.

Big point here for Sioux Center as they try to stop trading points with North Scott and now a service error. Puts the Lancers three points away from another state championship. And North Scott will go to their bench. Keira Kosarek will check into the game, but first a time-out by Sioux Center their last time out. As North Scott and Brian Schubert trying to bring home a championship, let's hear what the coach has to say to his team.

All right, let's go. Now's the time not to be timid, okay? Play our game. Go hard. Be ready for their off speed. That's how they're getting their points.

[LAUGHTER]

We got to stay on our toes. Don't get dug in. Move and move and move. Okay? Don't even give them the chance. Let's handle the ball right away. Let's go.

123.

Lancers 2217. What do you think about the coach's words for his team down the stretch here? Don't be timid.

Yeah, he has an intense intensity to his voice, but he still has that calm, cool collectedness. He believes in his team. He knows they're going to come away with this championship. But coach is going to do everything she can with her Warriors to get the ball back and make a run for it.

Holverson to the outside. Brantsen shot handled now Moeller powers her way through the block with a hard tip and now.

Yes. McKenzie Moeller adjusting when the set comes too close to the net. Instead of hitting it hard, she pushes it and pulls the block.

And forcing the issue Adison Brantsen.

Yes. Adison Brantsen took a big wind up. Looked like she was going to hit it hard and just placed it so carefully to drop it into the middle of the Lancer defense.

Big surge here for Taylor Holverson. The official did not mark the ball. Ready for play. Gets loud in here. Sometimes you think you hear the whistle instead of looking for the hand movement. Now Holverson. And it's a service error. We are at Championship point for North Scott. And ready to serve. It is Addison Miguel.

Important to make a good pass right here.

And a service error keeps this one going.

Tried to hit that back line one point in time mentality for Sioux Center. They just want to score right here off the good serve by Franken.

Championship point number two Allen to the outside Moeller. Weinert a title again for North Scott. What a championship won by North Scott three 132 kills for McKenzie Moeller today. Addison Allen with 42 assists. Those are some gigantic numbers put up by the Lancer duo as they best Sioux Center in the class four. A final.

Well, North Scott they did not lose in October. They haven't lost in November to have a week with 27 kills and then 31 kills, and now 32 kills by McKenzie Moeller beyond. Outstanding. Wow, what a pleasure to be able to watch her and her team.

Brian Schubert wants the belt. Out of retirement and now into a title.

The students love him. He got them all hyped up before the fourth set and it worked. And he's got him hyped up again.

So the T-shirts being handed out now for North Scott. It's time now to.

Union Board of Directors.

Tournament team from Tim Fitzpatrick.

Presenting awards to the 2025 class four all tournament team is executive director Aaron Garlick and board member Ron Fadness. Here is your class four all tournament team for 2025 from North Scott. Addison Allen.

[APPLAUSE]

From Sioux Center, Courteney Schmidt.

[APPLAUSE]

From Pella, Katie Scheckel.

[APPLAUSE]

For Clear Creek, Amana, Avery Lauer.

[APPLAUSE]

From Sioux Center Adison Brantsen.

[APPLAUSE]

And from Sioux Center Maryn Franken.

[APPLAUSE]

Thank you.

Thank you.

And your class 4A all-tournament team captain for 2025.

[APPLAUSE]

From North Scott Mackenzie Moeller.

[APPLAUSE]

What a team that your class 4A all-tournament team captain by Mackenzie Moeller. Let's take a look at how this game ended for North Scott.

He went outside to Mackenzie Moeller. She's been the key for this team. The glue, the power, the celebration and the hugs. Mackenzie Moeller finishes today in the championship match with 32 kills.

Amazing run by North Scott. Championship match.

And these truly are some of Iowa's best female Iowa girls.

High school. Athletic team. With Lauer there from ka shekel from Pella and then the north, Scott, Ellen and Moeller and Branson, Franklin and Schmidt.

Moeller and Mackenzie Moeller picking up some additional hardware, named the top producer. And now we'll have the trophy presentations. And now for your team awards fans, introducing your class 4A runner up, the Sioux City Warriors and head coach Julie Oldenkamp.

[APPLAUSE]

Excuse me, Sioux Center.

[APPLAUSE] [MUSIC]

And in the long season, their ticket was punched to reach here. Today they redeem it as your 2025 class four champions. Coach Brian Schubert and the North Scott Lady Lancers. North Scott, your class 4A state champion. They start the season losing five of their first eight matches. They go on to win 21 in a row starting eight. And wow, what a finish to the 4A championships as North Scott is your four A champions. They join Waukee Northwest. Coming up next we have the three a state championship. It's Humboldt against Davenport Assumption a 2:30 start. For Dr. Joanna Settles, I’m BJ Schaben. And so long for now as you're watching state championship volleyball here on Iowa PBS.

[MUSIC]

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