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Hawkettes dominate one Lincoln (D.M.), will host another one (C.B.) for trip to state

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Ankeny’s Jasmine Moser (left) celebrates with her teammates after pounding a kill during Thursday’s match against visiting Des Moines Lincoln. The Hawkettes posted a 25-6, 25-7, 25-5 victory in a Class 5A regional semifinal. (Photo by Drue Wolfe)

The Ankeny volleyball team didn’t overlook visiting Des Moines Lincoln in its postseason opener.

The second-ranked Hawkettes romped to a 25-6, 25-7, 25-5 victory in a Class 5A regional semifinal on Thursday.

“It was a good one,” said Ankeny coach Dani Kohut Lynch. “Our whole team came ready to play, and I’m glad our younger players got a great opportunity to play in a postseason game.”

Ankeny coach Dani Kohut Lynch talks to her players during a timeout in Thursday’s match. The Hawkettes raised their record to 34-4 while extending their winning streak to 16 matches. (Photo by Drue Wolfe)

The Hawkettes substituted early and often in the match. They continued to dominate the outmanned Railsplitters.

Lincoln had just seven kills and hit .029 on the night. The Railsplitters finished with a 7-28 record.

“It was a great way to start our tournament run,” said Ankeny middle hitter Myra Carlson. “It is always fun to get everyone involved and see the work that we all have put into the season.”

Ady Brecht had 12 kills to lead Ankeny. Aowyn Schrader chipped in six, and Olivia Elke added five.

Cloey Wiederin dished out 21 assists as the Hawkettes hit .508 in the match. Jesa Wallace had 14 assists.

Jasmine Moser and Katelyn Wendel each had five digs. Sydney Otto had five of the team’s 18 aces, and Wiederin added four.

It was the 16th straight win for Ankeny (34-4), which will host No. 14 Council Bluffs Lincoln (23-17) in the regional final on Tuesday at 7 p.m.

Ankeny’s Parker Olson smashes a kill during Thursday’s match. She had four kills and hit .800 on the night for the Hawkettes. (Photo by Drue Wolfe)

“We are looking forward to that game,” Kohut Lynch said.

Council Bluffs Lincoln advanced with a sweep over Southeast Polk. The Lynx posted a 25-16, 26-24, 25-13 triumph.

Ankeny won two of three sets against the Lynx during pool play at the Ankeny Centennial Invitational on Aug. 27. The Hawkettes prevailed, 21-10, 19-21, 15-7.

Ankeny’s Sydney Otto serves the ball during Thursday’s match. Otto had five of the team’s 18 aces. (Photo by Drue Wolfe)

Tanith Roush had nine kills in the win, while Wallace racked up 18 assists. Carlson had three aces.

Hutson Rau smashed eight kills for Lincoln. She is one of six players with more than 100 kills on the season.

“They have historically been a very consistent and competitive team,” Carlson said. “This year is no different as they play fast and really make you work hard for every point. I think it will be important to play our best volleyball and know that they are going to come out strong.”