The #2 Indianola volleyball team has another large hurdle in front of them today, as they take on #6 Lewis Central in the class 4A state tournament semifinal round. The Titans upset reigning state champion #3 Cedar Rapids Xavier in the quarterfinals 3-2, and sport a 32-2 record on the season that includes a Hawkeye Ten undefeated conference championship.

The Indians were tested by #7 Marion in the quarterfinals, falling behind 2-1 going into the fourth set and having trouble with the ferocity of a sustained Wolves attack. Head coach Kent Halstead tells KNIA Sports in the quarterfinal round against Marion the Indians had nine service errors, which is a byproduct of their aggressive serving strategy. Halstead said he trusts anyone on the team to be able to go out there and put a good serve in play.

“Serving is something that can get in your head. You see that, one thing leads to another. That’s something we’ve really worked on, and we had to put some other kids in there due to some substitution problems. You get 18 subs per set, and we used to lead the nation in subbing, we haven’t done that as much this year. But all 13 kids serve in practice and we know that they can do it. We believe in them, and we told them we believe in them.”

The match will be broadcast live on 94.3 KNIA, with Andrew Swadner and Rick Wilson on the call. Pregame coverage begins at 12:10, with first serve scheduled at Xtream Arena in Coralville for 12:25pm.