McPherson 8th Grade Volleyball Teams Dominate Home Matches
A Team remains undefeated while B Team bounces back with strong showing against Emporia
McPherson Middle School's 8th grade volleyball teams showcased their depth and resilience across two days of home competition, with the A Team extending their perfect season and the B Team rebounding from a tough loss.
A Team Maintains Perfect Record
The 8th Grade A Team improved to 7-0 after sweeping both triangular and dual match competition. On September 8th, they defeated El Dorado 25-20, 25-5 and Prairie Hills 25-20, 25-20 before dominating Emporia 25-8, 25-12, 25-14 the following night.
"The 8A team came out a little slow tonight vs. El Dorado, making some mental mistakes and misses at the net," said Coach Christine Pianalto. "However, we served super strong in the second set, putting the pressure on El Dorado."
The Prairie Hills match proved more challenging against an evenly matched opponent. "The Bullpups defense did a stellar job at moving our feet and adjusting to the fast tempo of the Crusaders' offense," Pianalto noted.
Key contributors included Breeley Smith, Noelle Schmidt, Abby Schieferecke, Rheamy Rierson, and Elles Pavlovich, who provided crucial serving power. Setters Rheamy Rierson and Noelle Schmidt orchestrated the offense, while Myiah Crawford-Dingman, Kinsley Postier, Elles Pavlovich, and Sophie Jantz dominated at the net.
B Team Shows Character
The 8th Grade B Team improved to 6-1 after rebounding from their first loss of the season. Following a dominant 25-6, 25-2 victory over El Dorado and a heartbreaking 25-19, 21-25, 9-15 loss to Prairie Hills on September 8th, the squad bounced back with a convincing 25-16, 25-4, 25-18 win over Emporia.
"The girls came out strong in all three sets," said Coach Ally Lusk. "It was fun to watch them hustle and enjoy playing with each other. A few girls stepped up into positions they have not been playing."
Both teams return home Monday, September 15 for Community Service Night against Rose Hill, featuring a food drive for the McPherson County Food Bank.
Greg Loving
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