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♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ >> It's time for State Championship Volleyball.

Here from the arena, we're proud to bring you the state championships.

And today we start things off first with class 5A as the cedar falls tigers take on the pleasant valley Spartans.

Good morning, everyone, wherever you may be.

Coach, what a way to start the day in this 5A match up, this whole entire field, parity comes to mind.

>> It's been a tremendous week of volleyball with strong teams and I don't know if there's better volleyball anywhere in the nation than Iowa and we've got two great representatives on the court right now.

>> Cedar falls is a team that didn't expect to be in the championship game.

They're seated fourth overall, but making their seventh straight trip, 23rd overall and they've got two dynamic players.

You've got to look at what sets her up.

>> If you're going on to play college ball, that's a great deal.

Both teams have exceptional setters and that's the wheels driving these teams, the centers.

>> On the other side of the net, Pleasant Valley, their third straight trip to state.

One player who can set things up.

>> Her mom coached her and she's been around volleyball since she was in the crib and they have a very diversified attack with Pleasant Valley.

You can't key on one hitter.

>> It's time now, before we get things started, to honor one individual who has made an impact in Iowa girls high school volleyball.

>> Demonstrated a successful career while making notable contributions toward school, community and the coaching profession.

Presenting this year's Golden Plaque award is Gene Berger.

The recipient of this year's award in volleyball is Rick Brooke.

He's been the coach for 28 seasons and he's taken the dragons to ten state appearances, making the finals four times, while winning the class 4A state championship in 2007.

Rick collected his 700th career win this season while leading the dragons to the state semifinals this week.

He has won conference coach of the year honors several times and was named the IGCA class 4A coach of the year in 1997.

Rick is active in the Iowa girls coaches association, where he serves as representative, and he's also served a term on the volleyball advisory committee.

Rick teaches at Johnston and in 2015 he won the presidential award for excellence in mathematics and science teaching.

Rick and his wife are the parents of two sons, Ben and Jack.

Congratulations to the 2021 recipient of the golden plaque of distinction award in volleyball, Rick Brooks from Johnston High school.

>> Rick Brooks of Johnston, his team really a rebuilding job this year, got all the way to the semifinals before they fell to Cedar Falls in the semifinals.

And what a job well done by all these teams here.

Let's now get introduced to the 5A teams.

>> Please welcome to the story the Cedar Falls Tigers.

And now please welcome the Pleasant Valley Spartans.

>> It's now time to introduce the players and coaches for today's 5A championship matchup.

First of all, for the Cedar Falls Tigers.

Here are your nonstarters.

Number 1, summer halter.

Number 3, Lainey Nielson.

Number 4, Lauren Vlasic.

Number 13, Olivia Blake.

Number 14, Peyton Kellum, and number 17, KYA Bradfield.

>> And now here are your starters for the Tigers of Cedar Falls, junior number 2.

A senior, number 8.

A junior, number 9.

A freshman, number 10.

A senior, number 12.

A junior, number 15.

Your libero is a senior, number 7, Olivia Brunner.

Head coach, Matthew Johnson.

And now let's meet the Pleasant Valley Spartans.

Here are your nonstarters.

Number 1.

Number 4.

Number 5.

Number 6.

Number 7.

Number 8.

Number 15.

And number 17.

Your assistant coaches, April Rowe, Claire Mora, the, the a and Taylor Meyer.

Here are your starters for the Pleasant Valley Spartans.

A junior, number 2.

A senior, number 12.

A senior, number 13.

Junior number 14.

A senior, number 19.

And a senior, number 20.

Your libero, senior Olivia Thompson.

>> Head coach for the Pleasant Valley Spartans, Amber Hall.

If you'll please turn your attention to the court in front of the scorer's tables.

Your officials for the championship match.

Fans, at this time we ask you to please join us and direct your attention to the flag as we honor America with the singing of our national anthem.

Ladies and gentlemen, our national anthem.

♪ O SAY, CAN YOU SEE BY THE DAWN'S EARLY LIGHT ♪ ♪ WHAT SO PROUDLY WE HAILED AT THE TWILIGHT'S LAST GLEAMING?

♪ ♪ WHOSE BROAD STRIPES AND BRIGHT STARS THROUGH THE PERILOUS FIGHT ♪ ♪ O'ER THE RAMPARTS WE WATCHED ♪ ♪ WERE SO GALLANTLY STREAMING?

♪ ♪ AND THE ROCKETS' RED GLARE ♪ ♪ THE BOMBS BURSTING IN AIR ♪ ♪ GAVE PROOF THROUGH THE NIGHT ♪ ♪ THAT OUR FLAG WAS STILL THERE ♪ ♪ OH, SAY, DOES THAT STAR-SPANGLED BANNER YET WAVE ♪ ♪ O'ER THE LAND OF THE FREE ♪ ♪ AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE?

♪♪ [ Cheers and Applause ] >> Thank you.

>> It's time for the championships.

Let's take a look at the 5A keys to the game.

First up, we go with the cedar falls tigers.

>> They are such a good defensive team and that's what Matt wants, they want them to dig in the trenches, dig up every ball that comes their way, find their quarterback.

You've got an amazing setter and great hitters.

Find your quarterback, let her run the program.

>> On the other side of the net, what do they need to do?

>> You've got pleasant valley.

Times they get in their heads a little bit when they make a mistake.

So we want them to play the next ball mentality and win those long rallies.

They have to be patient, because cedar falls is going to keep the ball in play, so don't lose your cool, win some of those long wins and beat cedar falls at their own game.

>> Cedar falls is on an odd year run for state championships.

They've won titles in '17 and '19.

Pleasant valley looking for their first-ever championship in volleyball.

They won four in cross country, two state track titles, two softball titles, one tennis title.

They've got room carved out at the high school in volleyball.

It's the two seed versus the four seed.

We're ready to get this thing going.

Cedar Falls wearing black uniforms with red numbers trimmed in white, Pleasant Valley trimmed in gray.

Sarah Albaugh is getting things started.

The championships are under way and it's a service error.

>> Oh, boy.

That's not how you want to start it.

But everybody has been there.

They've got to calm down, next ball, play it up.

>> And so Pleasant Valley will try to turn the favor here.

Molly Albrech.

The outside tip, did it get in?

Yes, it got in.

>> She's such a strong hitter that the defense is playing deeper and waiting for that dynamic arm swing and that tip just fell in to a perfect hole.

>> Had 17 kills in the semifinals and a Victory against Ankeny.

In fact, they beat centennial in the quarterfinals and the semifinals they defeated the Ankeny Hawks to get here.

Jetting out to a 3-0 lead.

>> You know what, this must have been in the scouting report because both outside hitters have found the holes on the defense for that soft tip.

>> And this is going to be blocked out, a side-out.

Much needed for Cedar Falls.

>> Both of these programs have strong right-side attacks.

So they'll be fun to watch.

>> An uncharacteristic service error, and that's back-to-back service errors for cedar falls, down by 3 again.

>> They're high school kids.

It's just nerves.

They're going to recover.

Matt is going to keep his team calm and cool.

They'll be fine.

>> Pleasant Valley, back row attack.

What a laser.

And an opportunity with a free ball.

Let's see if PV can work with it.

They go with the slide.

>> What you're seeing is PV is the one on the attack.

>> And it's happening with Chloe Cline.

Over 500 kills in her career.

>> Matt is going to have to figure out who he wants to take responsibility for the tips because they've exploded it three times now.

>> Boy, the energy that PV is putting out early is contagious on their side of the net.

>> And it happens as they go to the outside.

So instrumental on that point and now we've got a time-out taken by Cedar Falls.

>> Tips and misserves, and right now they've got everything going their way.

That was a great time-out by coach Matt Johnson.

>> Right there is coach Amber Hall in her sixth season at Pleasant Valley.

Was a teacher, and interesting enough, she's had a dynamic career in volleyball in the State of Iowa.

She was part of a Davenport North team that won a championship, but she remembers her junior year.

She was telling us the other day that Davenport North team went undefeated in her junior season.

>> The great Amy Baker had some amazing teams in that cracker box north gym.

>> Only to fall in the finals that year 3-0.

>> That was a really terrible way for them to end that undefeated season.

I'm sure none of them ever forgot that.

>> Oh, they're working the slide to perfection.

Able to find Chloe Klein for another kill.

7-1, Pleasant Valley.

>> Executed perfectly.

The blocker had a hold in the middle for a second to make sure there wasn't someone coming in quick in the middle.

>> And the block down in the middle.

I'm telling you what, the 6'1" junior, who has already committed to playing at Evansville is dominating early on.

>> Perfect read on the hitter's arm.

Put the roof up.

>> Vice's serve handled by Cedar Falls.

>> Great set.

>> Boy, this is great action on this point.

A 7 point advantage for Pleasant Valley.

And that one is going to be out just a little too strong, and a much-needed side-out for Cedar Falls.

>> That's exactly what I was going to say.

They needed some kind of little break here.

Now capitalize.

Keep the ball in play on your serve.

>> Need to get a serve here.

>> Exactly.

Let's see if Cedar Falls can't get into a groove here.

And that time you saw them get Katie Remmert involved for Cedar Falls.

The junior leads the team with over 435 kills this year.

>> Yeah, she's got one of the highest kill totals in the state.

So they've got to get Katie going here.

>> They are.

Didn't take long to find the go-to person in Remmert.

>> Great job, Katie Remmert.

Your team needs that.

Cedar Falls just needs a couple of points in a row to get back into this match mentally.

>> And another attack error.

This thing is starting to tighten up.

It was a 7 point lead, it's down to 3.

>> Exactly.

We knew both teams would calm down here a little bit, particularly Cedar Falls.

Wow, tremendous dig.

>> Remmert.

Again, a great job out of the back row.

>> These are the long rallies we're talking about, who is going to win these tremendously long valleys.

>> That's going to be an attack error.

8-6.

This thing is getting closer in the 5A championship match.

Pleasant Valley with the lead, Cedar Falls getting back into it.

Nielson with some terrific serves, but this time -- >> She's had a couple of rough plays in a row and she came back and put the ball down very nicely.

I'm happy for her.

>> Flying serve.

Nielson out of the back.

To the outside to Remmert.

Side-out, Cedar Falls.

>> That's her big go-to.

Keep an eye on Katie Remmert when she's in front court.

She also does a great job in the back court.

I know Matt would rather have her in the back court, that's for sure.

>> Leads with 29 aces this year second on the team.

Remmert out of the back row.

The little dump.

Terrific action at the net.

>> Just good defense by both teams.

>> Bronner living up to the expectation with a lot of digs and Cedar Falls will get the point.

Four hits.

>> Let's see if there was a touch on that block.

There was definitely a touch.

I don't think the ball was going to go over, but there was definitely a touch and they had the right to play it.

We have the advantage of the camera and the official certainly does not.

Cedar Falls is really tightening up their defense at the net right now.

That's the difference in the match.

>> Remmert out of the back row.

Again, another long point here.

Goodpastor, handled by Remmert.

Terrific play.

>> I think we need someone just keeping track of how many touches there are, what the longest valley is going to be.

>> Putting a charge into it.

>> Don't forget me out here.

I'm only a junior, but I've done more than 200 kills this year.

I can get this done.

>> So a 7 point lead evaporated.

Now for Pleasant Valley, they're needing a side-out to get things turned around.

What a turnaround.

It was 8-1 and now Cedar Falls has the lead at 10-9.

>> When it's Cedar Falls, they are the agressors.

Look for them to go Vice in the back court.

So much for my coaching.

>> What a run here by Cedar Falls.

And there's a look at head coach Matthew Johnson.

This is a big day.

Obviously his team is playing in the 5A championship, but a win would give him his 600th in his career.

>> Wouldn't that be something?

What a milestone to get it in a state championship game.

>> And PV finally gets a point and a side-out.

Free ball here for Cedar Falls.

And two hits, two touches.

Going to be called against PV.

Cedar Falls gets the side-out.

>> And they list her at 5'8", but I've seen her this week win more JOUFTs.

>> That's going to be blocked out.

Cedar Falls taking a three-point advantage here.

Some big moments here in this opening set for Cedar Falls and now a service error, the third of the opening set here for the Tigers.

>> What a great run by Cedar Falls, and I think you're going to have to see Pleasant Valley take a big breath.

They've got Vice in the front court.

Let's go after it and get our ace in the hole involved in the offense.

>> Morgan Riley.

She'll have to dig that out of the back.

Free ball here for the Tigers.

Go with the middle attack.

Was it deflected?

No.

Pleasant Valley will continue on with the serve.

Let's take a look.

>> Only person with good angle is the line judge.

That was a big swing.

>> Some height right on the front row.

You see it.

>> They expected her to get the ball.

>> Opening set, it's tough to get around.

To Vice.

And that worked out pretty well.

It has all season.

>> The thing was, she's the one that passed up that roll shot and it's hard to make that transition outside hit.

I was surprised they set her.

But she was effective with it.

>> Two lead changes now.

PV out in front.

>> Needs to give the hitters a higher set to work with.

>> How about the block by Alexa Frankel?

Great height on the front line on the rotation for Pleasant Valley.

>> They need to take advantage of this rotation.

>> Vice found the opening!

>> She started today match that way this first set.

She took that long tip.

They definitely saw that in tape, it was something coach pointed out to them.

>> 5-point run here for Pleasant Valley.

Remmert with the back row attack.

And talk about the opening.

Cedar Falls is able to find it with Nielson.

>> She was really excited about that play and she should be.

Both teams were hustling and she was able to put the ball down while pleasant valley was out of position after recovering the ball.

>> Mahi serving for the Tigers.

>> What a nice dig.

Well done Olivia Bonner.

>> Remmert with the tap and the opportunity.

Oh, what a pancake.

And this time it's a little wide and Coach Johnson of Cedar Falls is saying that one hit the deck.

Take a look at it.

What do you think here?

>> I've been on both sides of that type of play as an official and as a coach.

You're never going to be happy with that result.

>> Pleasant Valley with the benefit of getting that point.

And -- >> And the thing was, PV stuck with it and did the off-blocker shoot set again for the point.

>> This time the back row attack by Remmert.

She put the hammer down on it.

>> You know Matt Johnson is happy to see Remmert back in the front court rotation.

>> If you're joining us late, Pleasant Valley opened up with an 8-1 lead.

Cedar Falls then took a 2-point advantage at 12-10.

We've had a couple of lead changes, a couple of ties.

Right now Pleasant Valley with the advantage by 2.

Make it 3 as Vice comes up with another kill.

>> Boy, that was a nice play for her to come in and swing out of the middle.

Especially when you're prepared to block on the outside and they ran a play and took advantage of the unexpected.

>> Big hole in the block.

Good defense.

>> Vice, Remmert.

>> The opportunity here for Cedar Falls.

Remmert.

Big blast, handled by Nielson out of the back row.

Remmert again.

Ruff to the outside to Vice.

>> I'm glad they let the play keep going.

Wow, these are great rallies.

>> And it's kept alive.

What an athletic move.

Again a long point, still going.

The slide.

And finally the point, as Cline was set up by Ruff.

>> Very nice play.

>> And Cedar Falls is going to burn a time-out here, down by 4.

19-15.

They had to battle from the get-go.

Actually had the lead a couple of times, but Pleasant Valley, I mean, that's a tough play to defend with Cline.

>> If we're going to really sell ourselves on extending points, we're taking smart swings and we're chipping away at long points.

You're not going to win 100% of long ones.

If we win 65% of long ones right now, the net is getting in the legs in set three, four, and five and we need those sets to finish these guys off.

I understand you're playing the point to win the point, but you're also playing the point to win the battle of legs that you know will occur where it goes from being a big offensive swinging game into the defensive game.

Stay wide.

You're getting yourself where you've got to make a move to your right, left, everything is back on the court.

Now we've seen the two-handed tip twice, we can start reading that and run through the ball.

>> I absolutely love Matt Johnson.

I mean, his whole focus in that time-out was defense and telling his kids, let's push this team, get them tired.

We're conditioned, we're set to go five sets if we need to.

>> He knows something about coaching talent.

The Tigers have had eight players commission to Division I volleyball programs in the last five seasons.

>> I didn't much care about defense, but that's all right.

I had good defensive coaches next to me.

>> Again, another long point.

Remmert.

To the middle.

Remmert again.

>> Holy cow.

>> The defense has been sensational here.

>> Sarah Albaugh has about five digs at this point.

>> Able to power it down.

>> What I really like about PV, they're moving the ball around where they're running the offense and the blockers can't get complacent.

PV is really moving the ball to different areas.

>> And that time Remmert strong at the note to get the side-out, 20-16.

So can the Tigers make another run?

Here's Olivia Bronner.

52 aces this season.

Put it in the back corner.

And an attack error by Pleasant Valley.

>> You have to value ball possession.

You're not always going to get a good pass or a good set and you've just got to keep it in play, keep those long rallies going.

>> And an ace!

>> First one of the day and I'm sure we'll see many more before the day is over.

>> Cedar Falls started out this set with two service errors and since that time have really been steady at serve.

The return, Remmert makes this one a little closer.

It's a one point set here.

>> She plays with the confidence of a senior and she's only a junior.

She's just a smart player.

She's not only got a great arm swing, but she sees the court tremendously well.

>> And that got!

The purist of all aces, and PV is going to take a time-out at this one is tied up at 20-20.

Again, Cedar Falls bouncing back from a deep deficit.

Let's hear what the Spartans have to say.

>> Guys, we've got it right here, okay.

What we've got to do is take that breath, in and out.

We're fine.

Make sure to get your feet stopped, get that spacing, and raise your platform.

No swinging.

You guys can do this.

The ball is coming to you, Molly.

Let's get the pass up right away.

>> One single pass, one single hit.

>> You guys got it right here.

Let's go.

Believe in each other.

Believe in yourselves.

You've got this.

Spartans on three.

>> She just wants her team to calm down and they did look a little stressed in that time-out, on their faces, so that was smart to get her kids focused on breathing.

They've got to depend on each other, too.

They need that get that communication going so the balls aren't dropping.

>> Cedar Falls, though, you think about it, down 5-7 early on, down by 5 here down the stretch, to tie it up at 20 apiece.

Three ties, two lead changes so far.

Free ball here for the Tigers.

>> We know where the ball is going to go.

>> Remmert, but the block is there by Cline.

>> Pleasant Valley knew where that ball was going to go.

Good job setting the block and great job sealing it.

>> Side-out.

Halle Vice will serve.

And an attack error puts Pleasant Valley up by two.

>> That was a great idea there.

That was open.

But that kind of swing is really difficult.

It's not a high percentage swing.

But it was an open spot on the court.

>> And a service error here by Pleasant Valley.

Side-out Tigers.

Sometimes your eyes get a little too big, right?

>> Absolutely.

We knew this was going to come down to the wire and we're probably going to see this type of numbers every game, every set of this match.

>> Nielson with an ace to tie it up at 22.

>> They've had three misses and three aces.

They bounced out.

>> Nielson was the one that calm them on the serve at the beginning of the set.

>> You're right.

She's the one that served, what, five points in a row, something like that?

>> And we're going to see two touches.

So the Spartans will get the side-out.

2 points away from taking the opening set in the 5A championship.

>> And that one got in by Remmert.

>> They won that play and that rotation with the middle swing to the outside, come in first for a possible quick set, then they bring Remmert to hit out of the middle.

Just like we talked about moving Vice around, Cedar Falls does the exact same thing.

>> Tied at 23.

The back row attack.

>> A little bit low for Vice to do anything with it.

>> And PV will get the point at the net.

>> Big point.

Set point.

First set point, we should say.

There could be many on this set.

>> Kora Ruff will serve.

>> Great serve.

>> And an ace!

>> I know Stacey Ruff was up there in the stands saying, don't miss.

>> Pleasant Valley takes the opening set, 25-23.

What an opener!

We'll be back with more of the 5A championship in a moment.

>> 25-23, Pleasant Valley takes the opening set in what was a great opening set.

When you take a look at it, Cedar Falls was down by as many as 7, and then again 5 late to tie it.

This is going to be a great championship match.

>> And we talked about winning the long rallies, right?

And Pleasant Valley stayed with Cedar Falls enough to win those long rallies, take that first set, and -- >> Let's take a look at the first set highlights here.

There were plenty.

As you take a look at it, Halle Vice got things going for Pleasant Valley, and then, of course, Cedar Falls, early on struggled to identify where things were going.

Goodpaster got things going.

Once Cedar Falls was able to get on track, finding Remmert and company, things really started to gel for them.

>> Exactly.

You've got to find your studs.

You've got to find Vice, Remmert.

But everybody else has got to contribute, and actually both teams did that.

>> It's been a fun week in Cedar Rapids and you see Tigers fans, Pleasant Valley fans all packing in for this 5A title game.

The student section is wearing pink, the middle school, along with Cedar Falls, all wearing white.

It's like a white pink-out.

You've got great colors here blended in.

Here's the first half statistics, you see the kills, 13 for PV, and, of course, the digs.

You had mentioned it, Pleasant Valley spread this around defensively.

And then Cedar Falls struggled on the serve to begin this championship match, but, boy, did they recover with three service aces.

>> If you've ever seen those kind of totals for digs in the first set, I mean that's amazing.

And there was a few blocks put down, but there was a lot of touches at the net that altered the play, that allowed that defense to get in behind and play the ball up.

>> So we're about ready for the second set to get under way and you may have known, COVID-19, of course, has impacted a lot of things, no question.

But in volleyball a new rule for this year is the teams don't change the side of the court that they're on, and so Pleasant Valley will remain on this side of the court as they start with the serve here in the second set.

And we are under way.

Pleasant Valley up one set to nil, as the Spartans will try to put a charge into it.

Vice.

It's handled by the Tigers.

Again, we've seen some long points.

Here's another one to start this second set.

>> I like to see them going to Ava Cottrell on the right side.

She was dynamic yesterday in the semis and she's kind of been silent today.

They haven't had a chance to use her much and I think she could be a difference maker.

>> Battle at the net.

And we'll see a net violation called against Cedar Falls.

And so the Spartans will start out with the opening point.

>> That happens once in a while, both players are pushing.

>> Livia Thomsen serves an ace.

>> That ball just lost its air and dropped about a foot ahead of where she expected it to.

>> There's Van Dyke.

Remmert.

Livia Thomsen to vice.

And it's going to be long.

Side-out Tigers.

>> Matt Johnson's strategy defensively was to pinch the blockers and force Pleasant Valley at the front line, and so far that's been effective.

When they try to go to the line, they've not been successful.

>> Vice with the shot handled by Cedar Falls.

>> And Pleasant Valley able to get Cottrell involved and Cottrell comes up with the point.

>> I don't know if this is intentional, but they've really gone to Cottrell more this set than all of last set, so I'm glad they're getting her involved.

They need more than just Vice.

>> Mahi with the tap-up.

Remmert with some power there on the outside.

3-2, side-out Cedar Falls.

>> I'll a little concerned.

Katie Remmert came down kind of funny on her foot, but she appears to be okay.

I'm glad.

>> Nielson will drop back to serve.

>> A floater.

>> And it is strong at the net.

Cedar Falls will get the point.

What a block right in the middle by Smothers.

>> Chloe Cline has had some great receives in this rotation.

They were ready for it that time.

>> And Pleasant Valley will get the side-out.

>> Mahi does a great job blocking for a shorter player and most of the time it's not about height, it's about where you're reading the ball.

>> Remmert with the blast.

Goodpaster, had it knocked back.

And then an attack error in the middle.

Ruff tried to take a swing at that.

>> That's a difficult angle to hit it.

But she's staying aggressive and it's better than just sending a free ball over.

>> Tied again.

And an ace by Remmert.

So the lead will change here.

>> You may not see as many long point runs for one team now that they've settled in.

I think this is going to be the norm for the rest of this match.

>> Nip and tuck, and it's been that way for 5A all season.

Iowa City and Liberty was bounced in the opening round by Johnston.

You see Remmert gets the quick tap.

>> We talked about that earlier.

PV has got to be talking a little bit more.

They looked at each other as far as who was going to take it and they did that on the serve.

That's communication.

No blocker.

>> And that's tough to handle, as Chloe Cline, the Evansville recruit, gets the kill and the side-out for the Spartans.

Take a look at this.

>> It's all Ruff.

No blocker, which is every hitter's dream.

>> Ruff and Cline are going to be teammates in Evansville.

Of course, one is a senior in Ruff.

>> Great touch by Alexa Frankel.

>> And the Tigers able to get a point here.

Move their lead back to 2.

>> Is their lead bigger than 2 yet today?

>> Not in the second set.

So a little too much off the bench for Blake.

>> A little adrenaline going there.

>> Side-out on that service error, will put it at 7-6.

>> I think the Ankeny players could have played it there.

>> Mahi to Remmert, and the block back in the middle by Alexa Frankel.

>> She's ready for that.

She's waiting for Remmert to take that attack.

She's timing it well.

>> Coach Hall was checking to make sure everybody was in the right spot on the other side of the net.

>> PV on a little bit of a run.

A lead change.

Our second of the set.

8-7.

>> Summer Halsor would like to have that swing back.

She was trying to do ball control over and sometimes they drop the elbow too far and they just don't get there.

>> Ruff with the pass, and again had the opening, but a terrific dig out of the back row.

Mahi with the quick rush.

>> Nice save, Vice.

>> And that time the block down by Mahi.

>> That was all Mahi.

Not only did she set it well, she touched it by herself.

Good pace, absolutely scoped out.

>> Fourth tie of the set.

We've had a couple of lead changes.

You're right, nobody is going to run away and hide, as that one hit the tape.

>> Cottrell's shot handled.

>> Good save.

>> Everybody is okay.

>> Ruff, Cottrell, and nobody home.

It's tough with Ruff.

She's a magician right there.

Terrific pass.

>> She's a senior, she's not going to sit back.

>> She has over 300 kills in her career and a few blocks.

>> Oh, my.

>> How did that one get over?

Free ball here for the Tigers.

>> Net violation called against pleasant valley.

They will be tied up at 9-9.

Yep, right there.

You saw the right foot of Alexa Frankel go right over the line.

You've got to enjoy our net cam coverage here today so you can pick up on little things as we'll show you throughout the day here.

This is the first of five championships here on Iowa PBS.

Again, another long point.

>> You can see the back court attack.

Tough pass, Mahi went up and tried to bring it back.

As soon as she touched it, it went over the net and defense touched it.

It was a back-foot attack.

>> Spartans get the side-out.

Now Olivia Thomsen, the senior libero, serving.

And that's going to be long.

11-9 and Pleasant Valley with their largest lead of the second set.

>> It's too bad because I was noticing everything was perfect, and of course that's what happens.

>> Free ball here.

Vice.

Oh, what a job out of the back row by Albaugh.

>> I love that kid.

She is just -- >> Vice said, okay, I'm going to go away from Albaugh, but I'm going to go at probably one of the best defensive players in the said, Alivia Bronner, and this time Vice gets it to go down.

>> I think she was surprised it came over there, because they have been staying away from her.

Remmert said, so can I.

>> I'll bet you a libero and match you one.

>> That's right, the block wasn't set.

You give Remmert that kind of opening, she's going to put it down.

>> Cottrell again, but this time it's blocked.

>> Smothers said not this time.

>> Let's take a look at it.

>> Great blocking form.

>> This one gets a little closer again.

The lead was 3 just a few moments ago.

And it's back to 2 for Pleasant Valley.

13-11.

So the Spartans will go to their bench, Molly Albrecht will be in to serve.

The sophomore had an ace in the opening set.

>> Ice water for a sophomore.

>> Remmert, great vision.

>> That's a rotation where she always comes in and swings out of the middle and that was wide open.

Nobody was covering that.

That's one of the few times we've had a first-touch side-out.

These rallies have been so long.

>> Lani Nielson.

Oh, now we're starting to see the Cedar Falls defense.

Remmert with the block again.

Tied at 13-13.

>> Those two do such a nice job and you're seeing both teams so relaxed.

This was the quality of play we expected.

>> Attack error, and Cedar Falls is taking the lead here.

This is her third lead change.

Nielson will serve again.

And an ace!

>> Wow, what a great spot for that serve.

>> Nielson with the dig.

Mahi to Remmert.

The quick tap.

Nobody home.

The Tigers have their largest lead of the set at 3.

Each time kind of had to take their moments here to see how they were going to play against one another.

Now we're starting to see things open up a little bit.

>> Absolutely, and I think both teams now are starting to follow the game plan a little closer that the coaches had.

Oh, my heavens, good job.

>> Terrific play.

Vice.

Oh, what a shot!

>> It's one of the few times they had her hit out of that position on the court.

Really a nice arm swing.

>> A big side-out for Pleasant Valley.

>> Did they touch it?

>> Yep.

And the Tigers will get the point, a little too aggressive there by Chloe Cline at the net.

>> So hard to stay disciplined.

You cannot touch the ball as a blocker if the other team has remaining hits and it hasn't crossed the plane of the net.

Some others touched it while she was setting it.

>> Into the middle, and that's going to be long.

Was it deflected?

Cedar Falls' request denied, not deflected.

Side-out, Pleasant Valley.

>> We couldn't see a touch there, but -- >> Hoping, that's what Cedar Falls was doing there.

>> Right.

>> Remmert, a little too strong.

And now Pleasant Valley has them out of sorts.

Cedar Falls had their largest lead a moment ago by 3, down to 1 here.

Pleasant Valley leads it here in the best of five of the 5A championship.

And that time the height, Alexa Frankel at 5'10".

>> Mahi does such a good job being aggressive as a setter.

When you're giving up that many inches, there's just so much you can do.

>> Sixth tie of the set.

>> There she got it.

Good job, Nohea.

>> A smile breaks out now.

>> She's watched her sisters play for Cedar Falls all these years and she knows what she's doing.

>> Service error will tie it up again at 18-18.

You think about the Mahi sisters from Cedar Falls, over 5,000 assists in that family.

They've treated the Cedar Falls school district very well for passing in volleyball.

>> Exactly.

You wouldn't have to worry much if you knew you had more Mahi sisters coming through the program.

You could rest easy as a coach.

I think this might be it.

>> Lead change, Pleasant Valley with the lead here of 19-18.

A little time-out.

Halle Vice is going to work on her left shoe.

>> All right.

Cedar Falls, why are you booing?

It's not to break momentum.

It's her own team that had the momentum, you goofballs.

I'll tell you, the student sections have been so fun to watch this week.

They've been so supportive of their teams and so vocal.

>> Goodpaster played it over.

There's Goodpaster again.

Remmert out of the back.

Mahi to the side.

And that got in!

>> That's playing the back line.

I thought it was going out.

Beautiful hit.

>> So Mahi will serve, tied at 19.

The blast from the outside by Cottrell here in the second set.

You mentioned it earlier, they're getting her involved and what a way to do that.

>> She's such a strong hitter and it takes the focus away from the outside hitters, takes a little pressure off of them.

Now they've got Cottrell and they've got Vice up front and these two rotations are their strongest, in my opinion.

>> Vice ate that one up.

>> Pleasant Valley back up by 2.

And a time-out is going to be taken by Matthew Johnson, the head coach of the Tigers wants to talk things over.

>> Very nice.

>> Just had an opportunity there.

Let's go to the Cedar Falls huddle.

>> So just understand what we're trying to accomplish hasn't changed, it's still, like, keep pressure on them, make them defend and take pressure swings.

Even that ball that that girl cranked cross-court on the long transition, great swing by her, but that's after, like, three or four stress swings that we made her take.

Okay?

They give points in bunches, so don't feel like you're out of it when it's 21-19, especially when they've struggled to close out sets here.

>> We're not a team that does well when Katie takes three times more swings than anybody.

We've got to pass a little better.

We need the hitters to step up.

>> Let's go.

>> It was interesting, he said they give up points in bunches.

We talked about next ball mentality and not giving up huge runs and compounding errors.

Good observation once again by Matt there.

>> Nine ties, three lead changes in the second set.

Opportunity here for Pleasant Valley.

Cottrell.

Dug up by Mahi.

Van Dyke, wide.

>> The nice part about Cottrell's hitting that certain position ball, she's hitting it at Mahi and that takes Mahi out of the offense and makes somebody else put the ball up.

It changes everything for Cedar Falls when that happens.

>> Opportunity here for the Tigers.

Mahi to the middle.

>> Nice play.

Go!

>> And somehow Ruff was able to get that over.

And then Van Dyke, the southpaw, powers that one down for a big side-out for the Tigers.

>> That was a nice play for Cedar Falls and I think Van Dyke, the remainder of the set this match, could be that other big weapon that Cedar Falls could look for.

Obviously we've got Remmert, but I would get Van Dyke more involved.

>> Vice, the block back, and it went out.

>> Grace Hammond got caught up and that left Vice one-on-one.

>> Pleasant Valley with a 3-point advantage.

Tigers looking to come back here.

Remmert.

When you need a big point, the Tigers go to Remmert.

>> And you know that.

I mean, everybody in the state knows that, but that doesn't mean she's not going to score.

>> Side-out for Cedar Falls.

Here is Bronner.

Mahi to the middle.

What a charge put onto the ball by Olivia Smothers.

>> Smothers did a great job.

That was a low set.

She got it through.

>> A little closer.

Bronner.

Mahi to Remmert.

>> Both teams have the lineup in the front court they want for the end of the set.

We'll see which one perserveres here.

>> And Cottrell and company a little too tough at the net.

The student section knowing they're now at the second set point, and a time-out between by Cedar Falls.

>> Girls, good job.

Let's make sure we take a deep breath, all the way in, all the way out.

You guys got this.

So make sure you're watching where number 15 is at.

We're still moving a lot, that's why we're mis-hitting.

Great job mixing up the shots, way to distribute the ball.

Get stopped, go forward.

You guys got this.

Spartans on three!

>> We know the ball is going to go to Remmert or number 15, like coach said, and when the ball is on PV's side, they're going to go to Vice.

>> Pleasant Valley a point away from taking the second set.

They won the first set 25-23.

And Albrecht in to serve.

>> Sophomore, tough serve.

Nice job.

>> Remmert.

>> And she had the dig.

>> Van Dyke shot, and the point will go and the side-out to Cedar Falls.

>> Van Dyke is very athletic and it's so nice to have a left-handed hitter on the right side.

>> Nielson, who has been so consistent here today, ready to serve it.

What a blast, into the middle for Smothers, and we are tied at 24-24.

We'll see some extra points here.

>> PV needs a side-out, get Remmert out of the front court and finish this set.

>> They must win by 2.

>> There you go.

Good spot.

>> That's going to be long.

Side-out, Pleasant Valley.

>> They were lucky there.

That had to be pretty darn close.

>> Now set point, Halle Vice will serve.

Remmert.

Tied at 25-25.

Pleasant Valley yesterday in their semifinal win against Ankeny in the second set, that went long into the 30s and they never -- Ankeny never had a set point.

Pleasant Valley always had the advantage and they were finally able to win that second set and go on to win 3-1.

>> That was such a fun set to watch.

>> Side-out, Pleasant Valley.

A similar situation brewing here, now again at set point, trying to take this second set.

We've had 11 ties in this set.

Three lead changes.

>> Great pursuit.

>> And Cedar Falls with the side-out to tie it up at 26-26.

What a set!

>> And both defenses have to be aware, you don't have as confident hitters right now in the lower rotation and they're going to try to get the ball tipped into the open spots and they do it effectively.

So be prepared to run through the tip.

>> Smothers with a service error.

>> Oh, that's too bad.

>> Pleasant Valley again at set point.

>> They've been in this same song, second verse.

>> Ruff will serve.

>> Bad news.

>> Cottrell!

>> Bad news is PV had Cottrell.

>> And Pleasant Valley will take a 2 sets to 0 lead going into the third set as they win the second set, battled their way back a couple of times to win it 28-26.

They're a set away from getting the school's first-ever state championship.

Can they get it?

We'll find out when we return.

sets to one lead.

They took the set a moment ago 28-26.

Kathy, a couple of long sets we've seen here.

This has been a fantastic 5A championship, but Cedar Falls, what do they need to do to come back here?

>> They've got to identify somebody other than Remmert.

Find Van Dyke.

And I think on those really long rallies, Mahi is open to tip.

>> Let's take a look at the second set highlights.

Again, we've had some long points, as we saw 12 ties, 3 lead changes.

Cedar Falls got out to a 3-point lead.

Pleasant Valley tried to attack Mahi with a quick block.

Cottrell, instrumental in the second set, getting the kill there.

Remmert, her back row attack, nullified by Ruff.

Cottrell in that second set was so huge for Pleasant Valley.

You take a look at the kill so far, it's about even, the assists same way.

Digs, Pleasant Valley with 85, and a black by Pleasant Valley, and of course the service aces in favor of Cedar Falls.

Let's see what happens in the third set.

Can PV close it out, can Cedar Falls battle back?

It's been an interesting week here at the state volleyball tournament here.

In the opening round there are 20 matches, 8 went five sets, another 5 went four sets.

That's a lot of parity in high school volleyball.

>> It really is that kind of year in the State of Iowa, and it says a lot for our club programs and how much these kids are playing in the offseason.

>> Cedar Falls will start with a serve, and it's a service error.

Sarah Albaugh cannot get that one elevated.

And PV will start out with a 1-0 lead.

>> No one feels worse than her.

She knows she's missed two opening set serves and she feels terrible.

>> Van Dyke.

Getting credited with the block there.

It's going to be Chloe Cline.

PV up 2-0.

5A championship here.

Coming up later on, just right around lunchtime, we've got the 4A championship.

And a 3-0 lead here for PV.

>> This is exactly how the opening set was.

I'm not too concerned for Cedar Falls, but they've got to settle down.

I know we've said diversify, but find Remmert, give her the ball.

You need the point.

>> It's a 4-0 lead for Pleasant Valley.

Matthew Johnson very close to talking and encouraging his team.

He might need a time-out.

His team down two sets to none.

Here's Remmert.

It's tough as a coach.

You want to save those time-outs.

Now it's 5-0.

>> Thought he might take it on that.

Cedar Falls faces right now look a little bit concerned and they shouldn't, because they fought back with everything.

But you don't want PV to start thinking, we've got this.

That's a dangerous, dangerous course if you're Cedar Falls.

>> Now Remmert.

>> Nice swing.

>> Tigers in dire need of a side-out.

Remmert.

And she was able to get the tip.

Remmert with another kill.

That's 13 on the day.

>> And Remmert has gotten Albaugh a couple of times and she's a sophomore.

She's got to learn to read when it's going to be a swing and when it's going to be a tip.

But Remmert disguises it so well.

>> Cedar Falls trying to get on a run.

Their senior libero, Alivia Bronner.

>> Wow, great dig, Mahi.

>> Ruff to Vice.

What a great dig.

Did that one get in?

No, wide.

Side-out, Pleasant Valley.

6-2 our score.

Vice will track back to serve.

>> Cedar Falls making a few unforced hitting errors.

They're playing more cautious.

That's what you do when you're behind in a match like this.

You start playing cautious and that's not what got them here.

>> Van Dyke.

What a job at the net by Goodpaster.

7-2, Pleasant Valley.

>> PV is feeling it.

But it's early.

We know that.

Great pass.

>> From the back row, Vice.

What a dig by Bronner, only to be capitalized on by Ruff.

8-2.

>> That's a great spot on the court to hit it.

Going back towards the other team's setter's position, and PV has been very deliberate about going after Mahi and making her play defense.

>> Free ball for the Tigers.

Mahi setting it up.

Remmert with the quick tap.

>> Couldn't quite put it down.

There you go.

Come on.

>> Bronner with the dig.

Van Dyke's shot blocked, and somehow the Tigers are able to get the point.

>> Boy, they did not quit on that ball.

I thought that ball was down, didn't you?

I thought Pleasant Valley got another point with that block.

Good job sticking with it.

That's exactly what Cedar Falls needed.

>> Nielson.

To Remmert.

Remmert has been active, now 15 kills with this one here.

>> I think I would bring Albaugh all the way up.

They're scoring too many tips on that line.

>> Largest lead early on, PV by 6.

>> Oh, my.

>> And it's going back to 5.

>> That was so uncharacteristic for PV to send the ball straight back over.

I don't think Cedar Falls had any thoughts about that coming back.

Caught them off guard.

>> Ruff to the back row attack, and Cottrell is able to get it down.

>> Really good choice by Ruff.

All of her hitters were out of position and you had Vice waiting to hit back there.

Nice decision there from the setter.

>> Beg your pardon, that was Cline with a back row attack.

Ruff to the middle, and it's effective.

She is finding everybody right now out on the floor for Pleasant Valley.

>> Chloe Cline, we do owe her an apology.

She's doing some good defense back there, too.

>> Time-out taken by Cedar Falls.

Frankel.

>> Nice job.

>> Let's go to the Pleasant Valley huddle to hear what head coach Amber Hall has to say.

>> I was going to say, wait on your -- it's like an up and over.

So just make sure that you are waiting on that.

>> You cannot let up right here.

We're feeling good, we're feeling good.

Every time you breathe, you're breathing in energy, right?

You're breathing in the energy.

You're exhaling a state championship trophy.

Here we go.

>> Play hard right here.

You guys got there.

Spartans on three.

>> And you heard heard from assistant April Rowe in the huddle.

She won a championship under head coach at the time Amy Baker.

Right now feeling pretty good, up by 7.

>> And every time-out they talk about their breathing and keeping them focused and in the moment.

Cedar Falls desperately needs a side-out on that point.

>> Here's Remmert.

A quick jab.

And PV will get the point.

Remmert thought that one got in.

Let's take a look.

>> Once again, they're so close, but the line is parked right there.

>> Right.

And PV continues to roll.

>> Great idea by Mahi.

The opening was there for the second dump.

It was a long rally.

We mentioned that earlier.

>> This is the largest lead of the championship match at 9.

>> Wow.

>> PV is sensing it.

>> You see both setters attack in the last couple of plays, which we didn't see at all last set.

It's available for them.

They're smart setters.

Great job by Ruff.

>> A service error will give the Tigers a side-out.

They'll take it any way they can right now.

Down by 9.

>> Bad news is for Cedar Falls, they went to rotations with Remmert up there and now she's back court.

>> The big block by the Tigers.

Smothers.

>> We mentioned Mahi setting such a good block position-wise and Smothers really closes well.

She's had some great blocks today.

>> Vice.

Bronner plays it up.

And, again, others getting involved, Smothers again leads the team in blocks and has really been strong the last couple of points.

>> And the outside -- I mean, they're too predictable right now, going to the outside, going to the outside.

Maybe Ruff needs a take another one, but not on serve receive.

Good job.

>> Laid out for that one.

>> There you go.

>> And Ruff.

>> Well, the defense has not been playing honest on her and she's got to -- when you don't have a shooter on the right side as a setter, you've got to attack a few balls and keep the defense honest.

>> She'll serve now.

And the Tigers get the side-out.

>> Smothers making her presence known.

A nice series for her.

>> Good serve.

>> And, again, at the net, Pleasant Valley very strong and that's Alexa Frankel.

>> You've got a freshman going up there.

This is terrifying for most freshmen to come in.

As she gets older, she'll know to tip it off to the out blocker.

>> Cedar Falls needs to get out of this rotation.

>> And Vice able to get it down.

>> You have PV in their strongest rotation.

You've got to get a side-out here.

>> Vice with 11 kills in this championship match.

And a mis-hit.

Pleasant Valley running hard and wide open here right now with a 10-point lead.

And up two sets to none.

>> They're riding the momentum right now.

There you go.

Nice job, Grace.

>> Able to get the kill there, 18-9 on the side-out.

>> Cedar Falls can't afford to go side-out here.

They need some points.

>> And a service error does not help.

>> No.

Looks like a run-away train going down the track.

>> For Pleasant Valley, they're enjoying every single point here.

>> We were at this point in our first day championship and my assistant coach said, sit down now, the last five points, and enjoy it.

Stop coaching, enjoy it.

Of course I didn't listen to him because that's why he's the assistant coach.

>> Side-out for the Tigers.

Tick for tack right now down the stretch.

Pleasant Valley, you think about it, athletically, they've been so strong, a softball title recently, two softball titles in their high school's history, a tennis title, two state track titles, they've won four cross-country titles, trying to go for their first-ever state championship in volleyball, and they're five points away from doing that.

Make it four.

Cottrell with the kill.

Now with seven on the day.

>> I just like her on the right side.

She is just a fun player to watch.

Oh, boy.

It's not over.

It's just so hard to get back in that mindset of when you're Cedar Falls, that we can come back, we've done this.

>> And Vice able to find the opening now with 12 kills.

22-10, as Pleasant Valley opens up a 12-point lead.

>> Huge hole on the block.

>> In the opening set, Cedar Falls battled -- they got down by 7 early on, battled back.

>> I'm still not counting them out.

>> A couple of times, they ended up falling in the opening set 25-23, the second set went to extra points that PV won, 28-26.

And that will be in.

Side-out Tigers.

>> She's been trying to hit that line this whole match.

That was a great swing.

>> Now Bronner.

Trying to find a run here.

Mahi to Van Dyke.

Here's Vice.

Bronner.

How about that?

Cedar Falls back within 10.

>> Huge play from Cedar Falls, from Albaugh.

She has just played her heart out back there defensively.

>> Now to the front, Remmert.

Mahi.

Remmert again.

Dug out nicely, and it paid off.

>> Absolutely what her team needed.

>> So Halle Vice, the 6'1" junior, uncommitted, trying to serve this one out for Pleasant Valley.

Loads of talent out on the court here today.

Here's Remmert.

Bronner will dig it up.

>> Great save.

>> And just across the line with Ruff.

Katie Remmert has had a day, 19 kills for Cedar Falls.

>> She's a great player.

And she need to score a bunch more while this is her last rotation in front court.

>> And so we are now at championship point.

Chloe Cline will try to finish it for Pleasant Valley.

>> Sit down and enjoy it, coach.

>> Remmert.

>> Ruff to the outside.

Goodpaster.

And they get a championship for Pleasant Valley!

>> And the unsung hero.

Nice job, Emily Goodpaster.

Way to finish it for your team.

Their own athletic director gets to present the championship trophy.

That's kind of nice.

Running out to give that to her team.

>> So Pleasant Valley, your class 5A state champion, as they knock down Cedar Falls here today, 25-23 in the opening set.

Extra points in the second, but the Spartans prevail.

They win 25-13.

33-4 on the year.

They're bringing the school their first-ever state title in volleyball.

>> And, you know, Cedar Falls, they've got a young team, really.

They've got a lot of kids back.

They're going to remember what this is like for next year.

>> Cedar Falls, they were a team that really didn't expect to be here in the state championship, class 5A, but they prevailed all the way through.

>> We could see both of these same teams in the championship next year.

Once you get to this position, you know what it tastes like, you want more.

>> And of course the championship T-shirts being handed out right now.

>> Presenting awards are members of the Iowa girls' high school Board of Directors, Jenny Don ALDs.

Presenting awards to the 2021 class 5A all-tournament team is John Sambo.

Here is your 2021 class 5A all-tournament team.

From Pleasant Valley, Halle Vice.

From Cedar Falls, Alivia Bronner.

From Ankeny, Ava Reynolds.

From Johnston, Ava Helming.

From Pleasant Valley, Chloe Cline.

From Cedar Falls, Katie Remmert.

And your class 5A all-tournament team captain, from Pleasant Valley, Kora Ruff.

>> The senior setter is going to go on to play college volleyball at Evansville, had herself a day.

Over 3,000 assists in her career and now accomplishing something that she wanted to do all along, which was win a state title.

As you take a look at the entire 5A all-tournament team.

>> It's pretty cool when you think her mom built that program, PV was never strong.

When her mom was coaching, really brought it up to that next level and now you see their current staff taking it even further.

>> And now, fans, your 2021 class 5A runners-up.

The Cedar Falls Tigers and head coach Matt Johnson.

[ Cheers and Applause ] >> And now your 2021 class 5A champions, coach Amber Hall and the Spartans of Pleasant Valley.

>> Pleasant Valley your class 5A state champion in volleyball here in 2021.

They were amongst the top three all season long in the rankings.

Now number one overall.

>> What a tremendous feeling for that program.

It helped to win a state softball championship, you know what that feeling is like.

But these girl really played into Cedar Falls' hands today, winning the big points, the long rallies.

They didn't quit on the ball.

>> So Pleasant Valley is your class 5A state champion as they knock down Cedar Falls three sets to none here in the opening title match here at Cedar Rapids.

I want to remind you we've got more volleyball coming your way just after noon in the 4A title game.

From the crew, we're saying so long here.

We'll join you in a moment for the 4A title game here on Iowa PBS.

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