(Greenfield) Nodaway Valley is one step away from a second straight regional volleyball final. The Wolverines will be in action Monday night against 11th rated Van Meter and we’ll have the match on KSOM. Coverage starts at 6:45 with a 7:00 first serve.
Nodaway Valley takes a 23-6 record up against a 17-3 Van Meter squad. The Bulldog’s only three losses are to DM Christian, Grundy Center, and ACGC. They’ve won 11 straight matches including six consecutive sweeps. Nodaway Valley coach Allison Kiburz says, “They are pretty strong. They play a pretty tight, clean game. From looking at their film they have some pretty hard hitters. They have two setters that they utilize a lot in a lot of different ways. Overall they have a pretty fast tempo and I think it’s going to be a pretty competitive match.”
Kiburz points out her team isn’t afraid of the big matches, “This year the seniors have really stepped up in that aspect. That leadership quality has improved this year and turning on that competitive nature and mental toughness. That’s something they’ve talked about a lot and something I’ve seen growth in. At a critical time in the game I’ve seen a lot of girls that aren’t afraid to step up and put a ball away.
She believes her team has done a good job of taking things one step at a time. “They definitely have that hunger to get to that spot in Cedar Rapids. That’s obviously an ultimate goal to have.”
Nodaway Valley’s Corinne Bond ranks 4th in Class 2A in kills per set at 11.6 and Maddax DeVault is in the top five in successful serves per set. Van Meter ousted Central Decatur to get to this point while Nodaway Valley eliminated Mount Ayr. The winner Monday night face either Treynor or 9th ranked Underwood for a trip to state on Wednesday.
