The #2 Indianola volleyball team was down 2-1 in the quarterfinal round of the class 4A state tournament on Monday, but came back to defeat #7 Marion 3-2 as heard live on 94.3 KNIA.

The Indians had uncharacteristic mistakes in the first set leading to a big Marion lead, and would eventually fall 25-16 to put themselves behind. After that, neither team would be able to garner much of a lead throughout the rest of the contest, with Indianola narrowly winning the second set 26-24, and despite a late lead gave up four late points to the Wolves to drop the third set 25-23 to trail 2-1.

A back-and-forth fourth set saw the Indians take control late to win 25-22 and force the pivotal fifth set, where the Indians slowly built a lead to win it 15-9.

Junior Aspen Nelson tells KNIA Sports after the game Indianola plays their best when the play like a team, and she is proud of the way everyone has embraced their spot.

“Every person has a role and they play it so well. It’s not always easy, having a role on the team, it’s really easy to say but it’s not always easy to embrace. I just think every single person does a phenomenal job of playing their role and that’s really what brings us together.”

Head coach Kent Halstead echoed the same sentiments, and gave credit to the assistant coaches for helping to put together the game plan.

“We are so preventative. Everybody knows their role, everybody is out there to support each other. And then our coaching staff is so grand. It’s a privilege to work with them, and I’m grateful to have our coaching staff.”

Setter Tori Runyan had 63 assists, while Camryn Overton lead the team with 24 kills, while Maci Lerseth had 32 digs. The Indians advance to the semifinal round, where they will match up with #6 Lewis Central, who upset reigning class 4A champion Cedar Rapids Xavier.