Senior middle hitter Peyton Mitchell has helped the seventh-ranked Ankeny Centennial volleyball team to a 30-9 record. She had four kills and two aces as the Jaguars swept No. 11 Cedar Rapids Prairie in a Class 5A regional final on Tuesday to advance to the state tournament.
Mitchell has racked up 117 kills and 45 blocks this season. She has compiled a .243 hitting percentage.
Here is some inside info on Mitchell:
How does it feel to be going back to the state tournament?
I’m super excited. We can’t wait to get back in the gym, and we want to be back at the Cell (U.S. Cellular Center).
Many of the players on your team were on last year’s squad that qualified for state. Do you think you’ll benefit from the experience you gained?
Absolutely! Having multiple players who experienced state last year will be great for the confidence of the team this year.
Your team will play No. 2 Pleasant Valley in the quarterfinals on Monday at noon. What do you know about the Spartans?
We know they’re a very talented team and run a quick offense. We haven’t had the opportunity to play them this year so I think it will be a really fun matchup!
Do you feel like all the pressure is on them because they are the No. 2 seed?
I think the pressure is on every team there. Every team at state is a great team, and on any given day anyone could beat anyone.
What will be the key to pulling out the victory?
Playing as a team is very important to us, and playing fast and clean can help us do great things.
You currently lead your team with 49 aces. To what do you credit your success from behind the line?
We work on serving a lot in practice and really focus on driving the ball to each spot on the court so we are able to serve anywhere when needed.
Do you think pace or placement is more important when you’re serving?
Both are very important aspects of the serving game, but I think pace is definitely an important key to serving.
With a victory, your team would play No. 3 Ankeny or No. 6 Urbandale in Wednesday’s semifinals. Would you like one more chance to play your crosstown rival–which would give you an opportunity to avenge last year’s quarterfinal loss?
That’s a tough question. Both are good teams, but we plan to play one match at a time and be prepared for whoever we come up against. If we get the opportunity to play Ankeny again, I think it would be fun as it’s always an intense matchup.
The championship match will be played on Thursday. Do you expect No. 1 Iowa City Liberty to emerge from the top half of the bracket?
They’re a very strong team and that’s a good possibility, but again anyone could beat anyone in this year’s state tournament.
Plans for next year? Would you like to play volleyball somewhere?
I am still in the decision-making process. I’m currently going on several college visits, but have not made my mind up yet. I love volleyball and if I choose not to play at the collegiate level, I would definitely look at playing club wherever I end up.
What are you going to study?
I plan to study kinesiology, and I am considering pre-med as well.