DES MOINES – Grundy Center volleyball won a thrilling five-set match against Underwood at Saydel High School on Tuesday night.
But that specific experience; winning a tight match, utilizing volleyball IQ and a trove of experience to fend off a challenging opponent that pushes the Spartans to the brink – that's not necessarily uncharted territory for a Grundy Center team that constantly challenges itself, whether in scrimmages, in practice, or throughout the season.
"We've got a lot of experience," Grundy Center head coach Lori Willis said. "It's the memories they made tonight that make me happy."
Grundy Center, ranked sixth in the state, won 25-16, 22-25, 26-24, 21-25, 15-11, beating back a tremendous challenge from a gutsy Eagles squad that didn't give the Spartans an inch.
The Spartans (32-8) will play Osage (36-6) in Cedar Rapids on Wednesday, Nov. 13 at 4 p.m. in a Class 2A state quarterfinal.
Willis said Tuesday's win was bigger than those that gave it all on the court. The triumph was a community triumph, from the coaches, to the freshman and JV teams, the stat girls, the parents, the fans, and even a little help with a scouting report on Underwood from former Grundy Center golf star Jake Bangasser.
"It's a collective effort. It took every single one of us," Willis said. "It's a true picture of our season, of being all in."
Grundy Center's 13-6 start to the first set ...
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