A memorable postseason run came to an end Wednesday night in Storm Lake as the upstart Spirit Lake Indians volleyball team was swept by perennial power Bishop Heelan in the Class 3A Regional Finals. The Crusaders took the match by game scores of 25-15, 25-9, and 25-15. Spirit Lake’s attack was paced by junior Kendra Stokke, who finished with a team-high six kills, nine digs, and two service aces. Sophomore Bailey Loveall notched four kills and a team-best two blocks. Senior Whitney Berkland racked up 14 set assists. The Indians, who were in the regional finals for the first time since 2003 and eyeing their first trip to state in 28 years, end the season at 22-8. The Crusaders top hitter was senior Natalie Vondrack with a match-high eleven kills, to go along with two blocks. Megan McCarthy and Allie Sweeney both pitched in with seven kills, with Sweeney also serving up five aces. Sioux City Bishop Heelan will be making its 14th consecutive trip to the Class 3A State Volleyball Tournament in Cedar Rapids. At 43-11, they will face Charles City in the quarterfinals on Wednesday, November 9.
Click here for the postgame interview with coach Rachel Berkland.
The rest of the Class 3A field pits Harlan against Dubuque Wahlert, Maquoketa takes on Waverly-Shell Rock, and one-loss Solon battles Union.
The eight teams heading to state in Class 4A are Council Bluffs Abraham Lincoln, Iowa City West, Cedar Rapids Kennedy, Dubuque Hempstead, Cedar Falls, Iowa City High, Waukee, and Ankeny.
The Iowa Girls State Volleyball Championship will be held November 9-12 at the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena.
