MMS 7th Grade Volleyball Claims Patriot League North Championship
Bullpups finish 18-1 with dramatic comeback victory, sweep tournament at Haysville
HAYSVILLE — The McPherson Middle School 7th grade volleyball team captured the Patriot League North Championship on Saturday, going 4-0 at the league tournament to finish the season with an impressive 18-1 record.
The Bullpups dominated their way through pool play before battling through two tight matches to claim the title, capped by a 25-15, 25-22 victory over Circle in the championship game.
McPherson opened the tournament with a convincing 25-12, 25-6 victory over El Dorado, highlighted by a dominant serving performance from Lucy Redden. The seventh-grader reeled off 13 consecutive service points in the second set, finishing with 10 aces in the match.
The Bullpups stumbled early against Augusta in their second pool play match but quickly regrouped to win 25-22, 25-14, securing their spot in bracket play.
The semifinal against rival Prairie Hills provided the tournament's most dramatic moment. After McPherson cruised in the opening set 25-14, Prairie Hills fought back in the second, taking a 24-22 lead and threatening to force a third set.
But the Bullpups refused to fold.
"I'm extremely proud of the girls' tenacity in the second set against Prairie Hills," said head coach Abby Bradstreet. "We battled back from a 22-24 deficit and came back to win."
Cayson Harlin, Hayden Vogelsberg, and Cali Melton delivered impressive swings at the net, while Rhett Banning and Redden made clutch hustle plays to secure the 27-25 victory.
In the championship match, McPherson's relentless effort overwhelmed Circle as the Bullpups captured the title in straight sets.
"The whole team showed incredible hustle and grit in the championship," Bradstreet said. "These girls are a joy to coach and we are extremely proud of them. We're excited to see what's in store for the rest of their volleyball careers."
The championship marks another successful season for the McPherson Middle School volleyball program, with both the 7th and 8th grade teams claiming league titles.
Greg Loving
Sponsors (click me!)
Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below: