UPDATE: Waukee Falls to Ankeny at State Volleyball Tournament

For the second time in as many years, the Waukee volleyball team will play in the state tournament.

The Warriors (27-7) defeated Indianola and sixth-ranked Southeast Polk in regionals en route to the school's fifth state tournament appearance.

Although the Southeast Polk was the higher-ranked team, Waukee, to the surprise of senior first team all-conference selection Janessa Rosebeck, had little trouble defeating the Rams.

"I thought it'd be more difficult," said Rosebeck. "We swept them, I wasn't really expecting that. But we worked really hard for it, it was exciting."

Today the Warriors will play the third-ranked Ankeny Hawks in Cedar Rapids, with the winner advancing to the semifinals.

This will be the third match between the two teams this season; they split the two regular season meetings, both on Sept. 3 at the Valley Invitational.

Second-year head coach Ed Frederick says the outcome will come down to fundamentals. 

"It's going to be about who makes the fewer mistakes," said Frederick. "It's going to be a battle. I wouldn't be surprised if it went to five sets. They're tall, but we're scrappy. It's just going to be about who can exceute."

Last season was the first time Waukee had been to state since 2000. They lost in the opening round, 3-0, to Cedar Rapids Xavier. According to the girls, they may have had a slight case of stage-fright, but the experience they gained will be crucial against Ankeny.

"I think we're more experienced and now we know what the state tournament is all about," said Rosebeck. "Last year, we were really nervous and jittery when we played, and we were afraid to make mistakes because of the huge crowd and it was really loud. This year we know what to expect and we're coming in to win."

Senior Any Nestingen is missing the start of basketball season, which began Monday, beacuse of the volleyball team's success. She says this year's team still has something to prove.

"I hope for a win, I think everyone wants to prove that we can do more than just get there, but that we can get there and win," said Nestingen. "Hopefully, we get all our jitters out from last year and we'll be more relaxed this year."

Frederick says his team is still feeling the hurt from last season's early exit. But his team has a different sort of confidence this time around.

"Last year stung for them because I think we were a better team than Xavier," said Frederick. "I think this year a lot of them are going in really confident, hopefully that will show on the court. I think the girls are going in with a little bit of vengeance on the mind from last year."

The game will be today at 1:30 at the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena.