Humboldt headed back to state
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HUMBOLDT -- It took some work, but Humboldt is back.
It wasn't just a goal to return to the state volleyball tournament for the Wildcats, but rather, was a mission.
Last year the fifth-ranked Wildcats (38-4 overall) shocked the field with an upset over perennial power Western Christian at state and ultimately finished as a runner-up in Class 3A.
After that run, the Wildcats hung a banner in the Humboldt gym that read "Unfinished business.”
On Tuesday, Humboldt repeated the state feat. For the third time in school history, the Wildcats punched their ticket with a four-set win over 11th-rated Unity Christian (20-12).
"Honestly coming into the season, I really didn't know what we would have. I knew we would be talented," said HHS head coach Kara Waldorf. "I thought they had it in them, and I thought we could do it again.
"This (close) match was the best thing that could have happened. If we keep focused, I think we can do it again. I loved seeing our younger players who didn’t get scared and went after it."
All four matches were tight, as the set winner each time was by two points. The Knights took the opener, 25-23.
"After the first set, we knew it was going to be a tough fight," Waldorf said. "One thing we didn't do was serve aggressively. They were able to run their offense.
"It was going to come down to who wants it more. We had to get tough and play to win – not to not lose."
Humboldt burst back with three consecutive victories to advance. The Wildcats prevailed in the second set, 26-24. They won the third by a 25-23 count, then closed out the match with a 28-26 victory.
"Winning the second set was huge," Waldorf said. "It was huge. You lose that set, it's a whole different game. They're too good of a team to fall behind 2-0.
"The girls were on fire and wanted it. Adelynn (Goodell) came alive in that set."
Goodell had a huge effort in the win, recording 25 total kills.
"I think we realized we needed to win it there (in the fourth game). We didn't want to go to five sets," Goodell said. "It was do or die."
The Wildcats will now meet No. 4 Solon at noon Tuesday inside Xtream Arena in Coralville. Defending state champion Davenport Assumption is now in 4A.
"It's a great feeling to be headed back to state. I loved going last year. It was the best experience," Goodell said. "I think it comes down to grit and wanting it more.
"We are so bonded as a team. We lost key players, but we have some underclassmen that have stepped up."
Junior captain Addie Waldorf was a huge contributor on defense for the Wildcats.
"Last year, our goal was to make it and have fun and we'll see what happens," Addie said. "Going into this (tournament), we know we have a chance to win it.
"Our theme has been unfinished business. We know we can do it."
Waldorf also feels there will be an advantage to being an experienced state group.
"The pressure is off," Addie said. "We get to go play in Coralville again. We know we have a shot to go and win it, and after being there before, we know what to expect."