CEDAR RAPIDS - The Iowa Central volleyball team overcame some early-match struggles to get past Mott and into the quarterfinals at the NJCAA Div. II Championships here Thursday.

Scores were 25-23, 23-25, 25-18 and 25-14. They will face either Heartland in the quarterfinals at 5:30 p.m. on Court 2 after they knocked off Scottsdale in five. 

After holding serve in the first, the Tritons (41-1 overall) saw the second set go to upset-minded Mott (19-14). 

In the third and fourth, though, Iowa Central's experience helped turn the tide. The Tritons finished a program-best third at nationals in the spring and return several starters from that rotation. 

Katilyn Steffes led the way with 26 kills while Haley Alharithy added 11. Jori Hajek had 10, Angel Baylark nine and Brooke Dobson eight. Alesha Johnson recorded 58 assists and Baylyn Johnson had 15 digs. 

Steffes, a returning all-tournament selection, had five kills in the first set with Baylark adding four and Hajek three. 

For Mott, Grace Pavelka recorded 13 kills and Anna Randick 10.

Parkland and Terra State advanced in earlier round play. Iowa Central and Parkland would meet in Friday night's semifinal if both advance, marking the third meeting this year between the two. The Tritons have won both previous matches. 

Top-seed Cowley, the only team to beat Iowa Central this year, defending national champion Johnson County and Kirkwood are among those on the other side of the bracket. 

-By Dana Becker