(Coralville, IA) — Lightning struck twice for Ankeny Christian — the Eagles beat Riverside last year in the regional finals and this year they end the Bulldogs season again at the state tournament.
The two time defending state champions will have a chance for three in a row as they swept Riverside 25-12, 25-21, 25-18.
In set one, Ankeny stormed out to the lead with an 8-1 run. Riverside kept the deficit at 7 until a couple of mishits gave the Eagles a 19-10 lead. Riverside would only hit at a .029 clip in the first set and Katie Quick had 4 kills for the Eagles.
Riverside got the first point of set two for their first lead but it was short lived — Ankeny built a 9-5 lead. the Bulldogs got an Ashley Kelley ace and back to back blocks led by Madison Kelley tied it at 10. But the Eagles got a side out immediately and pushed their lead to 17-14. Riverside got 3 of the next 4 points but Kaitlyn Weathers had back to back aces and Ankeny rebuilt their lead to 22-17 and were able to finish out the set.
In set #3, both teams traded points — Ankeny led 3-0, Riverside tied it at 3, Ankeny led 6-3, Riverside tied it at 7. Ankeny led 14-11 and the Bulldogs finally got on a run to get their second lead of the night 15-14. It was short lived again — a quick side out and then it was Quick who took over with three kills to lead a 6 point run and a 20-15 advantage. They would hold it for the sweep.
Stats for Riverside: Sophia Taylor 7 kills; Bentley Rone 5 kills, 14 assists, 5 digs; Madison Kelley 5 kills, 3 solo blocks; Sydney Somers 5 kills; Elly Henderson 6 kills, 10 digs; Ayla Richardson 10 digs; Sophia Fenner 10 digs
Stats for Ankeny Christian: Katie Quick 13 kills, 25 assists, 9 digs; Anna Weathers 8 kills, 11 digs; Macey Nehring 8 kills; Carley Craighead 8 kills; 12 total aces
Riverside ends their season at 39-3. Ankeny Christian goes to 39-5 advances to the 1A State title game and will play BCLUW
Box Score, Click HERE
Post Game Interview with Senior Elly Henderson
Post Game Interview with Head Coach Brooke Flathers
