By: Chris Johnson

Messenger Sports Staff 

CEDAR RAPIDS — The No. 4 Iowa Central volleyball team advanced to the national quarterfinals here on Thursday, but ran into a buzzsaw against fifth-seeded Richard Bland on Thursday night.

The Tritons (37-6 overall) beat 13th-seeded Gulf Coast State in four sets in the opening round during the afternoon session, but were swept at night.

"They are a great team (Richard Bland)," said ICCC head coach Sara Horn. "This has been an absolutely great year for us. When you lose six starters, two All-Americans and you still make the Elite Eight, that's pretty special.

"It took a long time for us to get rolling, but I'm really proud of our kids for being patient and trusting each other."

Against Gulf Coast State, Katilyn Steffes led the Tritons with 20 kills. Humboldt graduate Jori Hajek added seven.

Mercedes Madlock had 28 assists.

Both Kira Matthias and Steffes finished with eight digs each, while Hajek had seven.

In the quarterfinals, RBC racked up 49 kills to Iowa Central's 22. Steffes tallied 10 kills, while Hajek had seven.

Madlock dished out 19 assists. Hajek contributed a team high 12 digs.

"It stings to lose, because we faced the top four teams (during the regular season), and we know we can play with them and beat them," Horn said.

See full article at:  https://www.messengernews.net/sports/local-sports/2022/11/tritons-tripped-up-in-quarterfinal-round/