Lake Mills opens state tourney against Pella Christian

LAKE MILLS, Iowa — The biggest difference between the 43-1 Lake Mills Bulldogs volleyball team and the 26-11 Pella Christian Eagles isn’t wins and losses, but strength of schedule.

The Eagles have played primarily Class 3A and 4A teams — the largest schools in the state of Iowa — while the Bulldogs have

played mostly 2A schools.

The two teams meet Thursday in the quarterfinals of the Class 2A state volleyball tournament in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and how they got there won’t mean much in the single elimination, eight-team tournament.

The Eagles opened the season ranked No. 12 in Class 2A, coming off a 23-15 record last season. The Bulldogs entered the season unranked, despite returning six seniors from last year’s 37-4 squad.

But the Bulldogs slowly climbed into the state rankings, and up to No. 6 in the final list issued Oct. 10. The Eagles finished ranked No. 9.

To advance to the state semifinals, the Bulldogs will have to handle the Eagles’ aggressive serving, and be equally aggressive on offense.

The Eagles’ biggest threat on the frontline is 6-foot middle hitter Jenna Horstman — the team’s hardest hitter, according to Bulldogs head coach Jim Boehmer.

The Eagles outside hitter — 5-foot 10-inch senior Meredith Fopma — is the team’s most active hitter and capable of placing the ball.

According to Boehmer, the Eagles are balanced, efficient and experienced, and their libero — Ashley Van Kooten — is a great passer who is able to run their offense effectively.

The Bulldogs must minimize Van Kooten’s impact on the match in order to win.

Crowd noise will impact the match less in the U.S. Cellular Center than it did in more intimate Lake Mills High School gym in the regional finals on Nov. 2. Momentum will still be key, though, because the match is being player on a larger stage and nerves will be a factor.