Short-handed and short-staffed, Marion reaches Westside Invitational final
Marion libero Natalee Hartman (center, red) celebrates the Wolves' win over Ankeny Centennial during the semifinals of the Westside Invitational vo...
Marion libero Natalee Hartman (center, red) celebrates the Wolves' win over Ankeny Centennial during the semifinals of the Westside Invitational volleyball tournament Saturday at Jefferson High School. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette) Mount Vernon's Brooke Ellyson digs during the Mustangs' semifinal match. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette) CEDAR RAPIDS -- They were short-handed and short-staffed, but the Marion Wolves made their longest run ever at the Westside Invitational volleyball tournament Saturday. Without Coach Roxanne Paulsen (illness) and junior outside hitter Sophia Paulsen (lingering effects of a concussion), Class 4A third-ranked Marion advanced to the championship match at Jefferson High School before running into the buzzsaw that is Dike-New Hartford.