The Iowa Central volleyball team is one step closer to returning to nationals.

The Tritons swept Southeastern here Saturday inside Hodges Fieldhouse in Region XI-A semifinal action. Iowa Central (33-5 overall) advances to meet Hawkeye back here on Wednesday for a spot in the NJCAA Div. II Tournament.

Scores were 25-18, 25-16 and 25-17.

Katilyn Steffes had 16 kills, Jori Hajek added 10 and Brooke Dobson nine. Mercedes Madlock recorded 35 assists, Kira Matthias had 15 digs, Leah Jolly and Michaelah Petrowiak each had three block assists, and St. Edmond graduate Mya McClain recorded four digs.

After winning another regular season ICCAC title, the Tritons were awarded the No. 1 seed and position in the “A” bracket. However, ICCC head coach Sara Horn was surprised to see the draw her team received.

“Southeastern has been playing really well in the month of October, including a big win over DMACC recently,” she said. “Our girls didn’t take them lightly and were pretty efficient with our serve-and-pass game.

“That helped us be in system a lot more than they were, which gave us a big offensive advantage. Everybody did a pretty good job doing their jobs, which will continue to be super important for the month of November.”

Iowa Central has won 15 in a row and is 11-1 at home on the year. They posted a 3-2 victory over Hawkeye in Waterloo earlier this season and have not dropped a set in conference matches played at Hodges Fieldhouse.

“This group has done a really great job of appreciating our home matches,” Horn said. “I know we’re thankful for another chance to play in front of our home crowd on Wednesday for a shot at the national tournament.

“We’re hoping for a big home-crowd advantage, as Hawkeye comes in ranked in the Top-15 and will be a great match. It should really be a fun environment.”

Match-time is set for 7 p.m. between the Tritons and Hawkeye. The NJCAA Div. II National Tournament takes place Nov. 17-19 in Cedar Rapids.