Two-time defending Class 1A champion Janesville easily brushed aside East Mills of Afton in the quarterfinals of the Iowa High School State Volleyball Tournament Wednesday night (Nov. 8, 2017).

The Wildcats won each set by scores of 25-10, 25-12 and 25-19 while sweeping the tournament newcomers. The Wolverines (24-9) were making their first state appearance since the consolidation of the former Malvern and Nisha Valley districts.

No. 1 ranked and top-seeded Janesville (35-7) entered the quarterfinal match as a heavy favorite to three-peat this week, and looked as if they won't disappoint. The Wildcats got a 33-assist night from Bree Thompson, who also recorded 17 kills and nine digs. Kennedy Meister also had 21 assists, along with 13 kills and seven digs.

Thompson and Meister were named to the all-tournament team in 2016, along with teammate Lily Liekweg. They are among four returning starters playing for the Wildcats this season.

Head Coach Shelly Sorensen's squad is now one win away from playing for its third title. Janesville returns to the court for its state semifinal match on Thursday. First serve is at 6 p.m. on Court 1 at the U.S. Cellular Center.

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