The Ankeny Christian Academy volleyball team has yet to be tested in postseason play.
The seventh-ranked Eagles cruised to a 25-13, 25-10, 25-13 victory over visiting Martensdale-St. Marys in a Class 1A regional quarterfinal on Wednesday. The Blue Devils scored a total of 36 points in the match–just 10 more than Melcher-Dallas managed to score in a first-round loss at ACA on Monday.
“We were incredibly happy with how the girls performed,” said ACA assistant coach Cara Treybal, whose team had 11 aces and hit .381 on the night. “From the start, they played calm and in control through all three sets. Our serving and defense was as good as it’s been all season.”
The Eagles (27-13) got another strong performance from freshman setter Avlyn Davis, who racked up 31 assists while effectively distributing the ball to her teammates.
“Avlyn moved the ball around between hitters incredibly well,” Treybal said. “The hitters also did a wonderful job of watching their defense and placing the balls in challenging spots, which we’ve been working very hard on over the last few weeks.”
Ella Leever pounded 13 kills while posting a .667 hitting efficiency. Havanna Dolbeare contributed eight kills, two blocks and three aces, while Breeze Bentz also had eight kills.
Katelyn Weathers had a team-high 10 digs, and Ella Bussell added nine. Liv Nehring chipped in three aces for the Eagles, who completed 73-of-76 serves (96.1 percent).
It was the sixth straight win for ACA, which is seeking a fourth consecutive state title. The Eagles’ last loss came to Class 3A No. 10 Roland-Story, 2-1, at the Hampton-Dumont tournament on Oct. 11.
The Blue Devils, meanwhile, finished the season at 12-15.
ACA will host Southeast Warren (38-6) in a regional semifinal on Monday. The Warhawks advanced with a sweep over Moravia and have now won nine of their last 10 matches.
