WEST LIBERTY, Iowa They've been through the physical training all season long. <\/p>\n
Now, the West Liberty High School volleyball team wants to make sure that it's mentally ready for Wednesday morning's Class 3A state quarterfinal against Nevada at the U.S. Cellular Center in Cedar Rapids. <\/p>\n
The Cubs (37-9) will face West Liberty (36-5) at 10 a.m. on Court Two. <\/p>\n
\"We need to get our minds ready,\" Comets senior Kayla Kaalberg said. \"We know that we have to execute, be self-disciplined and know that every day we have a team we can trust behind our backs on the court.\" <\/p>\n
The dossier on West Liberty's opponent is very similar to other opponents the Comets have faced. <\/p>\n
The Cubs will have a height advantage, led by 6-foot junior Kati Cassabaum, who is averaging 3.12 kills per set and has accumulated 109 blocks, the third-most of any 3A state-qualifying player. <\/p>\n
This is nothing new for West Liberty, who has no player on the roster taller than 5-foot-9. The Comets have instead found ways to play above their height, showing success in that area as recently as last Tuesday's regional final against Mediapolis. <\/p>\n
\"Our blockers have helped a lot,\" West Liberty's Summer Kopet said. \"When we played Mepo, they had big hitters and our blockers helped make it easier for us on the back row. <\/p>\n
\"We don't have that tall of girls ... but even getting a touch [on the ball] helps.\" <\/p>\n
Kopet, a senior, is one of five players averaging two or more digs per set on West Liberty's roster, which has helped make the Comets a tough team to score on. <\/p>\n
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Comets want to be mentally prepared for Nevada<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" WEST LIBERTY, Iowa They've been through the physical training all season long. Now, the West Liberty High School volleyball team wants to make sure that it's mentally ready for Wednesday morning's Class 3A state quarterfinal against Nevada at the U.S. Continue reading