On Wednesday the Lakers defeated Ellsworth CC 3-0, qualifying them for the Region XI A Semi-Finals in Fort Dodge, IA on Saturday November 2. This is the Lakers' first appearance in post-season play since 2016.
The Lakers will take on #1 seed, the Iowa Central Titans at 1:00 on Saturday at the Iowa Central Gymnasium. The Titans are ranked #8 in the country and have a record of 32 & 5. They are also the ICCAC Champions with an 8-1 record and they have won their last seven matches in a row. The Lakers ended the regular season with a 10-29 record and 2 & 7 in the ICCAC. The Titans and Lakers met once this season and Iowa Central won 25-20, 25-11 and 26-24.
The Lakers enter the semi-final match up with a positive approach. Coach Mike Turnbull said, "We are proud to have made it to the post-season, we had that set as a goal the entire season and we achieved it. On paper it looks like the ultimate mismatch, as a #1 vs #8 should appear. We believe we can play with them. We pushed them pretty good the first time around and we hope to build off that. A huge key to us being successful will be to keep pressuring them and make them make plays. We also need to limit mistakes and not let mistakes disrupt us when they do happen." In closing, Coach Turnbull concluded with, "I am really happy these group of young ladies has earned a shot at the post-season. It is an opportunity they will appreciate more in the future. When you are in the mix of things you don't have time to think about how hard you have to work to earn the privilege to play in the Regions."
The other half of the Region XI A tournament features #4 Kirkwood vs #5 Des Moines Area. They will play at 3:00. The winners will play in the Championship match at 1:00 on Sunday. The Region Champ will advance to the National Tournament in Charleston, WV November 21-23. If the Lakers pull off the upset they would have to first travel to Missouri on November 9 to play the Region 16 winner before advancing to Nationals.
REGULAR SEASON LAKER LEADERS
KILLS: Ariel Bozonie 220, Sydney Swanson 183
BLOCKS: Quiana Coria-Lopez 76, Bozonie 72
DIGS: Faith Marroquin 597, Mary Kelly 372, Lindsey Jensen 342
ACES: Kelly 34, Marroquin 32, Bozonie 31
ASSISTS: Kelly 409, Jada Barker 398
PHOTO: Photo of the 19-20 attached.
MEDIA: For more information, please contact Head Volleyball Coach Mike Turnbull at (712) 362-8375 or the Iowa Lakes sports information office at (712) 362-7928.