The #2 Indianola volleyball team survived a massive challenge from #6 Lewis Central in the class 4A state tournament semifinals Wednesday, winning 3-2 as heard live on 94.3 KNIA.

The Indians again started out slow, falling behind 6-0 in the first set before equaling the score at 10, but after all of their momentum was used to tie the score, the Titans pulled away again and won the first set 25-23 after the Indians gave up a late lead.

Both the second and third sets saw Indianola get ahead in the middle stages of the contest, and would eventually pull away in both to win 25-18 to set up match point in the fourth set. After a back-and-forth start, the Titans pulled away to lead 20-13, but the Indians fought back to get within two points, but Lewis Central would eventually win the set 25-21 to force the fifth set.

Indianola was down 2-0 early on, but quickly came back to tie the score and traded points with the Titans until 9-9, when they would go on a run to end it 15-10.
Head coach Kent Halstead said after the game the athletes made the necessary adjustments after the first set loss.

“We had to get more swings, and we started to handle #16 for Lewis Central. So we certainly made some adjustments, but the kids did that. It’s not about the coaching staff, the kids made the necessary adjustments, they are the ones out there playing.”

Camryn Overton had 18 kills to lead the Indians, while Maci Lerseth had 30 digs, and Tori Runyan had 43 assists.

The Indians advance to the state title game today as they take on #4 North Scott, who upset previously unbeaten #1 Clear Creek-Amana 3-0. The game can be heard live on 94.3 KNIA, with Andrew Swadner and Rick Wilson on the call. Pregame coverage begins at 11:45, with first serve scheduled for noon at the Xtream Arena in Coralville.