Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: The Humboldt volleyball squad receives its Class 3A state runner-up trophy on Thursday in Coralville. The Wildcats were defeated in the finals by Davenport Assumption. For more photos, please visit CU.messengernews.net

CORALVILLE — It just wasn’t in the cards for the Humboldt volleyball team to secure a third consecutive upset here at the state tournament on Thursday afternoon.

After knocking off No. 4 Cherokee and top-ranked Western Christian to reach the finals, the Wildcats were denied in their first ever title-round appearance by No. 2 Davenport Assumption inside a packed Xtream Arena.

Scores were 25-20, 25-17 and 25-22.

While the end was disappointing, the storybook season of Wildcat volleyball featured a bevy of unforgettable moments — the program’s first-ever win at state, first appearances in the semifinals, and first time competing for a state title.

“This experience has been incredible,” Humboldt head coach Kara Waldorf said. “The girls have dreamed about being here since they were playing youth volleyball, and to actually make it instead of watching has been an experience we will never forget. We set this goal this summer knowing it was possible, and they did everything they could this season to make it real.

“I have been so proud of how they showed up at this tournament. To win the first match like we did, with this being the first state experience, was huge. And then to be able to secure the win against No. 1 Western Christian was even bigger.”

While an underdog in terms of seed on paper, Waldorf continued to remind her squad they deserved everything they were accomplishing on the court.

“I told the girls these were not ‘lucky’ wins,” she said. “They earned every single point. They didn’t make it because they’re lucky, but because they deserve it and are good.”

Assumption, which finished tied for first in the Mississippi Valley Conference with last year’s 5A state title-holder and 2025 qualifier Pleasant Valley along with 4A tournament winner North Scott, was making its 11th appearance at state since 2012. The Knights won their second volleyball title as a program on Thursday.

Neither team showed any signs of nerves on the big stage in the opening set. Humboldt (33-7 overall) had 16 kills with just four errors, led by three kills each by Avelynn Goodell and Kendall Works. Addie Waldorf tallied 13 assists, and Jazzie Dodd had an ace.

Assumption (28-7) was a little better, though, recording 18 kills to just two errors. Ellah Derrer had seven kills, including the final point in the set. Erin Robbins had five kills, and Carsyn Kelley 17 assists.

After falling behind two sets to none, the Wildcats rallied in the third. They took their first lead at 15-14 and were up 19-16 on a kill by Goodell. Davenport Assumption erased a three-point hole after a timeout, however, scoring four in a row to take the lead.

Goodell had another kill to tie it at 22-all, but the Knights tallied the final three points of the match to seal the deal.

Goodell led Humboldt with 11 kills, with Mia Schluter recording eight. Both Alivia Goodell and Works finished with six.

Waldorf had 29 assists and 10 digs.

For the Knights, Derrer had 16 kills, Bella Cotton 11 and Robbins eight. Kelley recorded 36 assists, and Piper Hodge had 20 digs.

Both Waldorf and Adelynn Goodell made the all-tournament team. Derrer was the captain with Robbins and Kelley joining her.

Addy Anthofer of Carroll Kuemper and Morgan Kooiman of Western Christian completed the squad.

Waldorf has been with many of the players for much longer than her current stint as head coach at Humboldt.

“I remember all these girls being 11, 12 and 13 years old, playing AAU and dreaming and talking about this moment,” she said. “To actually be a part of bringing this to life is an absolute blessing and a feeling I can’t explain.

“Addie (Kara Waldorf’s daughter) and I have come to the state tournament for years together, and now to be here with her playing and me coaching is the best. I’m so proud of her and the rest of this team.

“This group is so special to me. I couldn’t be more proud of every single one of them.”

Humboldt was ranked from the preseason poll through the final release for the first time in program history. Schluter surpassed 500 career kills, Waldorf went over 1,000 assists and 100 aces in her two-year run, and Avelynn Goodell has already recorded over 100 career blocks in two seasons.

Several key seniors played their last match for the Wildcats on Thursday, including Claire Dieleman, Alivia Goodell, Tessa Petersen, Schluter, Elyse Olson, Works and Ava Fischer.

The Wildcats are slated to return key regulars such as Waldorf, Adelynn Goodell, Dodd and Gracie Johnson.

As a school, Humboldt has claimed three previous girls state championships — all in golf.