(Des Moines) Des Moines-Christian’s net play powered them to a sweep over Atlantic in a Class 3A Regional quarterfinal volleyball match on their home court on Tuesday. The Lions posted scores of (25-9, 25-6, and 25-8).
In the first set, Atlantic took a 2-0 lead with a couple of early blocks; however, the Lions cranked up the offense, and Hadley Hardersen drilled 14 straight serves to lead the home team to a big lead. The Lion’s two outside hitters, Gabby Bartek and Gabby Lombardi, provided the firepower during the 14-0 run. Abby Muller, Jillian Saathoff, and Paytn Harter mustered a handful of blocks early for the Trojans.
The Lions opened up a 13-1ead in the second set and kept their foot on the gas and the Trojans in their rearview mirror to a 25-6 win.
The Lions broke open a 6-4 lead in the final set, outscoring the Trojans 19-4 to the finish line. Front-line players Skyler VanderPol, Sydney Brinkmeyer, and Andrea Linebach got into the act in the final set to help secure the three-set win.
Hadley Hardesen finished the night with 13 assists and eight digs, Gabby Lombardi averaged 2.7 kills per set, and Sydney Brinkmeyer five blocks. The Lions hit .333 and a serve efficiency of 95.9 percent.
Des Moines-Christian moves to 35-7 and faces off against Van Meter on Thursday. Atlantic bows out at 8-25.
Atlantic Head Coach Michelle Blake’s comments are posted below.
