State volleyball: Notre Dame sweeps Holy Trinity

CEDAR RAPIDS — The Union coverage area didn’t have any teams representing at the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union state volleyball tournament this week, but that doesn’t mean area eyes weren’t on the Alliant Energy PowerHouse for the action taking place.

On Wednesday night, two familiar foes went at it in the Class 1A semifinal. No. 1 Notre Dame took on No. 4 Holy Trinity Catholic in a battle of Southeast Iowa Super Conference South Division opponents.

It was Notre Dame that prevailed. The game went just three sets, all which went into extra points, and the Nikes found a way to win every single one, knocking the Crusaders out 26-24, 26-24, 27-25.

Despite leaving the game for a short time due to an injury, Notre Dame’s Gabby Deery finished the game with 23 kills to lead the Nikes to victory. Josie Bentz added 13.

Holy Trinity’s Mary Kate Bendlage had 10 kills to lead the Crusaders.

Notre Dame and Holy Trinity both had to get through local regionals to get to the Class 1A tournament. The Nikes knocked off Winfield-Mount Union in the regional semifinals, and the Crusaders upended New London in their regional semi.

The Nikes had defeated eighth-seeded Tri-Center in the first round. Holy Trinity won a thrilling five-setter against fifth-seeded Janesville.

Notre Dame will take on No. 3 Springville in the Class 1A championship on Thursday night. As of press time, that game has not taken place.