By: Dana Becker
Messenger Sports Staff
Behind an overpowering 10-0 run to close the second set, the ninth-ranked Iowa Central volleyball team took care of Hawkeye here Wednesday night in Region XI Tournament action.
Scores were 25-13, 25-20 and 25-15.
The Tritons (29-5 overall) will now face No. 4 Kirkwood on Saturday in the semifinals. The Eagles (31-7) knocked off Southeastern in straight sets last night.
In prior years, only regional tournament champions earned an automatic bid to nationals. However, that has changed, with wild card selections being awarded this fall.
With a Top-10 ranking and resume that features several wins over rated teams, Iowa Central is likely to earn one of those spots if they are unable to claim another postseason crown.
Still, ICCC head coach Sara Horn definitely wanted to earn this one.
"Honestly, we felt some pressure coming in," Horn said. "Coming off a loss to Illinois Central last week, we didn't think it would look the best if we had back-to-back losses in the eyes of the committee. So, yeah, the girls felt like they had to have this one.
"And we are going this weekend with the idea of winning the tournament and taking all of that out of the question."
Freshman Natalie Hagadon sparked the closing rally in the second set, serving things out from a 20-17 Triton deficit to a 25-20 victory. Iowa Central took its first lead of the set at 21-20, erasing a five-point hole.
"She is one of our top servers and showed it," Horn said. "We aren't the best serving team, so we don't have runs like that too often. However, when we have had them, it's been with Natalie."
The Tritons started the third in command, scoring the first four points while taking a 12-4 lead on the heels of recording 21 of 25 points during that stretch. Mya McClain added a key ace during another late rally that helped seal the deal.
Araya Garrison had 10 kills, Noemia Chiacchio nine and Mercedes Madlock added seven to lead the way. Madlock also had 25 assists with 17 digs, McClain finished with 15 digs, three assists and two aces, and Emily Goodner tallied five kills.
Alexis Hiracheta added seven digs and Olivia Sturgis three kills.
Iowa Central went 13-2 at Hodges Fieldhouse this season, a place that has treated them well over the past several years.
"It felt like with playing our last two conference matches on the road, we haven't been home in forever," Horn said. "We love the energy from the crowd and it really fuels the girls. It was great to get this one and send them out with a victory."
The Tritons have won three consecutive regional titles after placing second the two years prior. They have also won at least a share of six consecutive ICCAC Div. II regular season championships.
Along with Iowa Central vs. Kirkwood at 3 p.m., 11th-ranked Des Moines Area will play Ellsworth in the other semifinal at 1 p.m. Both matches are set for Boone, with the championship also to be played there on Sunday at 1 p.m.