Tournament newcomer Dunkerton wins its debut in dramatic fashion

CORALVILLE — The rookies showed resolve.

Its two-set lead evaporated, fifth-ranked Dunkerton held tough and outlasted No. 6 Conrad BCLUW in a Class 1A quarterfinal at the state volleyball tournament Tuesday night at Xtream Arena.

Set scores were 25-20, 25-17, 17-25, 25-22, 15-8.

“We just decided that we’re not going to lose,” Taylor Kipp said. “This was our first time here, so let’s make it count.”

The lone first-timer in the five-class, 40-team field, Dunkerton (30-11) advanced to Wednesday’s semifinal round. The Raiders will face No. 1 Saint Ansgar (29-4) at 6 p.m.

When the Raiders were wavering (they trailed the finale, 5-4), Kylee Pexa helped bring them back.

Pexa posted four kills and a block in a pivotal seven-point surge, putting Dunkerton in command, 11-5.

She wasn’t done.

Her penultimate kill got the Raiders to match point at 14-7, then her final one sent them to the semis.

“We realized that tipping wasn’t working,” Pexa said. “We worked as a team and put it all together.”

Pexa led all attackers with 21 kills. Kipp and Daisey Fetkether added 14 apiece, and Delaney Toneff had 50 assists.

Last year’s 1A runner-up, BCLUW finished 36-9.

Grace Farnsworth paced the Comets with 19 kills; Olivia Peters added 15.

Comments: jeff.linder@thegazette.com