Senior outside hitter Marlee Ellison had 11 kills, four digs and one ace to help the third-ranked Ankeny volleyball team to a 25-7, 25-19, 25-23 victory over No. 13 Cedar Rapids Kennedy in a Class 5A regional final on Tuesday. The Hawkettes advanced to the state tournament for the ninth consecutive year.
Ellison has recorded 295 kills this season while posting a .301 hitting percentage. She has also racked up 221 digs, 37 blocks and 20 aces.
Here is some inside info on Ellison:
Congratulations on making it back to state. Now that you’re a senior, does it mean even more to you this year?
Making state is always such an honor, and every year we have worked extremely hard to get there. This year is extra special, though, because it is my last year playing as a Hawkette. It has been such a privilege to wear this jersey, and I feel so blessed to be a part of this team.
Your team came out and dominated Cedar Rapids Kennedy right from the start. Did you feel like it was important to jump on them right away to put some doubt into their minds?
Kennedy is a fundamentally sound team. We saw them during preseason in a scrimmage, and they were good. We knew that we would have to start off strong. Plus, we played them in our regional final last year so they were out for (revenge). We stuck to our gameplan, which is why we were able to dominate right away. We all know that volleyball is a game of momentum and so we wanted to get a hold of them quickly and shut them down.
Your team has had a few ups and downs this year, but I’m sure you expected your season to conclude with another state tournament appearance. Was there a turning point for the team this season, or was it just a matter of gradually getting better along the way?
It is common for teams to have some high and low points throughout the season, but what makes us different is our team culture. We went into the season with the goal to win a state title, and we knew we would all have to be disciplined, work incredibly hard, make sacrifices, and help each other along the way to accomplish this goal.
Your team is now entering the state tournament on an eight-match winning streak. Do you feel like you are playing your best volleyball of the season?
Yes, everything is clicking right now. We are a completely different team than we were at the beginning of the season. We have grown physically and mentally, and we are peaking at the perfect time.
This is your fourth trip to the state tournament. How do you think this Ankeny team compares to the previous ones you played on?
Each Ankeny team has been very special in its own way. What makes this team unique, though, is the bond we have built and the trust we have in each other. We have faced adversity, pushed each other, and learned how to fight for one another. I know that this team has the determination and the chemistry to do what we set out to accomplish.
Your team will now face a rematch against No. 6 Ankeny Centennial on Monday, and this will be the second time in the last four years that the crosstown rivals have met in the quarterfinals. You are the only current member of either squad who played in the 2023 matchup, which the Jaguars won in five sets. What do you remember about that match?
That will always be a special match for me. It was my first time at state so I remember being really excited. We fought hard in that game, and it was an emotional loss. When coach (Liz Baethke) told me I was going in, the girls were so happy for me. It meant a lot because I looked up to so many of those girls and learned a lot from them. They were a close-knit group, but they took me in and made me one of their own. I was lucky to have seen what great leadership looked like my freshman year, and now as a senior I strive to be someone that my teammates can always count on too.
Your team won an earlier meeting at Centennial in four sets on Sept. 15, so obviously the Jaguars will be looking to avenge that loss. But are you confident that you can beat them again?
Absolutely. It will be a battle, and we know that Centennial will come out ready to compete. But I am confident in our team and preparation. We have worked hard all season, and we know what we are capable of when we play together and stay focused.
I know both teams have made some changes since the first meeting. Do you think Centennial has improved over the last six weeks?
Yes, we have been scouting Centennial and we have noticed that they have come on strong the last few weeks. At this point in the season, all teams are making adjustments, honing in on their strengths, and finding ways to improve their weaknesses. Centennial is a great team, but we are ready to take on our crosstown rivals.
What do you think will be the key for your team to come out on top again?
Discipline, communication, and mindset. We need to execute, limit our mistakes, and play together and for each other.
Your team’s last loss came on Sept. 24 against No. 1 Waukee Northwest, the defending champion. After losing to the Wolves in last year’s semifinals, I’m sure you would love to get another shot at them in Thursday’s championship match. Do you think Northwest, which is riding a 19-match winning streak, is beatable?
For sure. We respect what the Wolves have accomplished. They are an extremely talented team, but so are we. Last year’s semifinal loss has stayed with us, and getting another opportunity to play them would be great. With that said, though, we are not looking past any team. Our focus is on the game in front of us, but I like our chances against anyone.
This marks the fourth time in the last five years that Ankeny, Centennial and Ankeny Christian Academy have all qualified for state in the same season. What does that say about the level of volleyball talent in the city of Ankeny?
It says a lot. There is so much talent here, and it is fun to see each high school competing at a high level. I think this speaks to both the coaches and the community. The coaches put in a ton of time and effort developing their players, and the support that the town of Ankeny gives to these teams is unmatched. And a shoutout to Impact and Ankeny Fanatic, too. Impact does an awesome job developing players and preparing them to play elite volleyball. And thank you Ankeny Fanatic for highlighting all the Ankeny teams. It is fun for our local teams to be recognized and promoted.
