CORALVILLE, Iowa — November 3, 2025 — Ankeny Centennial advanced to the Class 5A state semifinals with a hard-fought straight-sets win over Iowa City West, 25–23, 25–17, 25–23, on Monday at Xtream Arena.

The Jaguars (33–5) used balanced scoring, efficient setting, and steady defense to hold off several late rallies from the Trojans (27–6). Centennial hit .222 as a team, recording 44 kills to West’s 41, while limiting errors in key moments to close each set.

Senior setter Maegen Cheeseman directed the offense with 17 assists and added 10 kills of her own, finishing with a .318 hitting percentage. Tatem Schmidt led the attack with 11 kills and two blocks, while middle hitter Sophia Heither was a force at the net with eight kills and three blocks. Mya Lei-Butters anchored the defense with 19 digs.

The opening set saw multiple ties before Centennial pulled away late behind a pair of kills from Schmidt and Heither to take a 25–23 win. The Jaguars built momentum in the second set, hitting .238 and converting 82 percent of sideout opportunities. Cheeseman and Ellie Pollock combined for five kills down the stretch to secure a 25–17 victory.

West battled back in the third set, matching Centennial nearly point for point. Sophia Austen led the Trojans with 16 kills and 8 digs, while Cyan Blommer added 11 kills and 17 digs. Libero Izzie McDonald posted 22 digs. Despite their effort, the Trojans couldn’t slow Centennial’s balanced offense, as the Jaguars closed out the match 25–23 to complete the sweep.

Centennial finished with 10 team blocks and 73 digs, while West tallied six blocks and 62 digs.

The win propels Ankeny Centennial into the Class 5A semifinals at Xtream Arena, while Iowa City West ends its season at 27–6.