CEDAR RAPIDS -- The Mediapolis Bullettes want to give fans their money's worth every time they step foot on a volleyball court.

They definitely didn't short change those who watched their Class 1A state quarterfinal match against top-ranked Rock Valley Thursday afternoon at the U.S. Cellular Center.

The No. 6 Bullettes battled the defending state runners-up to the bitter end. But the Rockets were just better, escaping with a 15-12, 10-15, 15-6, 16-14 victory.

"It was tough. They are a good team, a very good team," said Rock Valley senior Deb Remmerde, who had a team-high 17 kills.

Mediapolis (31-5-5) faced a seemingly overwhelming 14-5 deficit in Game 4, but refused to fold. The Bullettes fought off seven match points and pulled even at 14-all on a Rock Valley passing error.

The Rockets, however, responded. A block by Shayla Lange and a kill by Karin Remmerde sent Rock Valley (34-1-2) into a semifinal showdown against No. 5 Tripoli (38-3-1) -- a rematch of the 2001 state final -- at 6 p.m. Friday.

"It's going to be tough. We have to work together as a team," said Rock Valley senior Erica Schlotfeldt, who had seven kills and 24 digs. "Everybody has to have confidence."

Even in defeat, Mediapolis left the U.S. Cellular Center a confident team. When the Bullettes passed well -- in games two and four -- they gave the Rockets all they could handle.

"When we walked into this place, there was no doubt in my mind (we could win)," Mediapolis Coach Dennis Jandrey said. "I'm sure if we'd go back on the floor, we'd still believe we can beat them."

Senior Jo Kester, who was a key factor in Mediapolis' fourth-game comeback, finished with a match-high 23 kills and 24 digs. Senior Ashlei Jandrey dished out 47 assists.

"People stepped up when we needed them to," Ashlei Jandrey said.