You could cut the air with a knife! The air was filled with more intensity than in any previous Charger volleyball match extending all of the way back to the beginning of ACGC's existence as a school. And the intensity was not only on the court, but in the stands as well. Treynor follows its teams very well, and last night was no exception. A large contingency of fans on both sides didn't hold anything back in supporting their respective teams in last night's regional quarterfinal matchup won by the Chargers in five sets, 25-23, 23-25, 22-25, 25-16,15-9.

The usual large and boisterous Charger student section was at its best, but the ACGC parents also got into the cheering and chanting last night as well. The Cardinal fans didn't hold anything back either in this do or die situation for both teams.

Treynor's losing record of 17-19 was deceptive because it plays in the very competitive Western Iowa Conference and it plays an equally tough non conference schedule. So, when a fired up Treynor team took it to the Chargers in the early going it was no surprise to this observer. The home team appeared stunned as the Cardinals took a 17-6 lead and ACGC seemed headed for defeat.

All of that changed after a well timed Charger timeout and when Kylie Young came to the service. By the time that the Charger junior's service had ended, the score was tied at 18 apiece. Successful digs, sets, blocks and spikes by numerous Chargers were more than the Cardinal defense could handle. The Charger machine was really clicking with some of the best teamwork and hustle of the season. ACGC took the lead for good at 19-18 and completed the come-from-behind win with Young's kill to take a 1-0 lead in sets.

While the locals were successful with 92% of their serves in set number one, that statistic fell off to 74% in the second set, with six Charger serves either going out of bounds or hitting the net. It made things easier for the visitors as Treynor took set number two, 25-23. The slump seemed to carry over into the next set, as the Chargers could never get it together, leading only once in the set at 22-21 before falling, 25-23.

Trailing 2-1, the Chargers faced elimination in set four. Instead, ACGC never trailed and dominated play in a 25-16 win over the Cardinals. Better service was a factor as the locals returned to an acceptable 92% and dominated play at the net. It appeared that the Cardinals were on their heels and were unable to maintain the quality of play they had shown earlier in the match.

But it wasn't over yet. ACGC still had to come up with one more strong performance in set five. And that is precisely what the Chargers did, dominating the Cardinals en route to a 15-9 win, giving ACGC a 3-2 win and the opportunity to move on to the regional semifinals. A strong defensive effort again helped to key the win. Without final statistics available, it isn't possible to point out individual performances, but methinks all would agree that this was a total team win with many players turning in strong offensive and defensive performances.

ACGC will now move on to face Underwood, a team that the Chargers have lost two twice this year. But this is tournament time. As stock brokers often say, past performances do not indicate future results. With the same intensity and teamwork that the Chargers demonstrated last night, anything can happen! Game time is at 7 PM this Thursday in Underwood. Go Chargers!

Set scores:

Treynor 23 25 25 16 9

ACGC 25 23 22 25 15

Charger statistics:

Kills Kill Eff Assists Digs Blocks Serves Serve Eff Aces

Stowe 0 .000 50 9 3 21-22 .955 2

Bunde 3 .167 0 0 8 0-0 X X

Coffman 0 X 0 13 0 8-9 .889 1

Laabs 0 .000 8 33 0 7-8 .875 0

Largent 43 .371 0 16 6 .15-18 .833 4

McClain 0 -.500 0 0 3 0-0 X X

O'Brien 4 .154 0 0 5 19-24 .792 5

Young 12 .231 0 15 1 31-32 .969 2