Sioux Center looks to bring home a title

CORALVILLE — Sioux Center, located in volleyball tradition-laden northwest Iowa, has had a strong program under Julie Oldenkamp, making the state tournament eight times in her 18 years coaching the Warriors.

However, unlike so many of the other powers in their part of the state, Sioux Center has yet to bring home a title.

The Warriors now have a chance to change that.

Oldenkamp's second-ranked squad was locked in from start to finish in Wednesday's Class 4A semifinal matchup with No. 3 Pella, posting a 25-20, 25-12, 25-23 win at Xtream Arena.

"We've had some opportunities where we have played like that throughout the year," she said. "So they have had a taste of that. I couldn't be more proud of the way they played today, the intensity they had. They played loose and they played focused. We know that is when we play our best."

As the match finished, the large contingent of Sioux Center fans started chanting loudly, "Why not us, Why not us."

"That has been the motto for this team all season," Oldenkamp said. "When they play with a free spirit, like just seeing what happens, good things can happen."

The next good thing could come in Thursday’s 12:15 title match against No. 5 North Scott, which upset top-ranked Clear Creek-Amana in five sets.

"It's been amazing," said junior Adison Brantsen of the Warriors run to the final. "All our hard work is paying off. We knew it wouldn't be easy. Having trust in all your teammates is such a key part of volleyball and it has been a whole team thing for us."

Wednesday's performance was much smoother than the one the Warriors turned in during Monday's quarterfinal win over Marion. They overcame 14 service errors to advance.

"It was almost a laughing matter by the time we (went to eat) because the girls know they are better than that," Oldenkamp said. "It's a part of the game and at times it has been a liability, but today it was an asset."

To Oldenkamp's point, Sioux Center cut the service errors in half to seven.

Courteney Schmidt had 10 kills while Maryn Franken added nine for Sioux Center (30-4). Katie Scheckel led Pella with 15 kills.