Another year, another state appearance by the Sioux City Heelan volleyball team.

The No. 1 Crusaders (50-5) will compete in their 12th consecutive state tournament, matching the state record, when they meet unrated Dallas Center-Grimes (25-10) at 6 tonight in a Class 3-A quarterfinal at the U.S. Cellular Center.

Heelan's string of 12 state banners matches Dike-Hartford's run from 1983 to 1994. The Crusaders' 50 wins matches the state record for single-season victories established by Western Christian in its 50-2 run to the 2007 2-A title.

The Crusaders, seeking their third state championship in four years and fourth overall, are on a roll. They've won 44 of their past 45 matches, and were the Missouri River Activities Conference regular-season and tournament champions.

Leading the charge for coach Lori Slight's squad is 5-foot-11 senior Carli Tritz. The three-sport all-stater and Creighton basketball recruit is averaging team-bests of 3.1 kills per set, a .348 kill efficiency and 3.1 digs per set. She shares the team lead in blocks (1.2) and is second in ace serves (82).

Other returning starters from last year's state semifinal team are 5-6 junior setter Leisa McClintock, along with sisters Maggie and Natalie Vondrak.

McClintock is a skilled distributor who also can attack (1.3 kills per set). Maggie Vondrak is a 6-0 senior who averages 1.8 kills, while Natalie is a 6-1 sophomore who pitches in 1.5 kills.

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