Knocked down early, Streeters come back swinging and fight to the end

The Sauk Centre Mainstreeter volleyball team's season ended Thursday night in Sauk rapids. But they didn't go down without putting up one heckuva fight. After losing the first two games, the Streeters rallied to win games three and four. Game four was one of the ages as both teams battled back and forth, volley after volley, until Sauk squeezed out a 32-30 win. Just how close was it? The score was tied 16 times throughout the game. The Streeters had match point six times to Melrose's one, so it was fitting the Streeters won it 32-30. And it was only fitting that the match went five games. Both teams have had parallel seasons, with almost identical records and splitting their season match ups. While Sauk stayed alive after losing the first two, game five would determine the rubber match for the co-conference champions. Sauk carried the momentum from the game four win into game five by jumping out to a 3-1 lead. They led 4-2 but Melrose tied it at 4-4 and then it was the same back and forth game with volleys lasting long enough for fans to grab a bag of popcorn and take a restroom break. Sauk didn't match up with Melrose's hitting attack, but their defense was phenomenal. They also had some key blocks at the net. Melrose was equally impressive. It was just two really good teams fighting to the death for every point. The fifth game had ties at 4-4, 5-5, 6-6, 8-8, 9-9, 10-10, 12-12, 13-13, and 14-14. That's how close it was. Fans on both sides of the gym were either biting their nails or raising their fists. The student sections were almost as entertaining as the game itself. But in the end, Melrose was able to drop the last two points in Sauk Centre's court, giving them the sub-section title. They will face the winner of St. Cloud Cathedral and Rocori, who played immediately after the game. The Streeters will graduate four seniors — Katelyn Ahrens, Taylor Ilgen, Madison Moritz and Taylor Triebenbach. All played important roles on this year's squad, and despite not earning the sub-section title, or a chance at the section title, they, along with the rest of the team, ought to be pretty proud. Thursday night's battle was proof that the final score might determine the winner of the match, but it doesn't measure the heart of a team. For those who made the hour drive to Sauk Rapids, they were treated to a great match between two rival schools who have been battling against each other for decades. When it was all said and done, some girls were wearing smiles and others were shedding tears. That's the spirit of competition. Be sure to read next week's Herald with player and coach reaction. Also look for the Mid-Minnesota All-Star Volleyball team in the coming weeks.