This year's Streeter team was a special group

The Sauk Centre Mainstreeter volleyball team was on the brink of yet another state tournament berth, but fell just short Saturday afternoon at St. Ben’s University with a 3-1 loss to Dassel-Cokato.

The Streeters made a valiant effort against D-C’s hard-hitting attack. After being down 2-0, they came back and won game three and had a lead in game four before falling 25-23.

The Streeter effort was admirable. Coming into the game they knew it would be a tough team to beat. They have relied on their defense all year and it came through again on Saturday. They also had great offensive output from several girls who made this match closer than what it appeared it would be on paper.

With eight seniors playing their final game, this team should be proud for several reasons. One is most of them played with limited, if any, varsity experience and went undefeated in conference play. Secondly, they made it to yet another section final, despite having only one returning starter.

Setters Amanda Kulzer and Katelyn Durbin proved to be an efficient 1-2 punch. Ali Peterson came through with several big kills down the stretch. Outside hitter Alea Gerhartz and middle hitter Amanda Weir showed just how talented Streeter teams of the past two years have been. Both players would have been key starters on most 2A teams throughout the state, but were relegated to junior varsity action until this year. Meghan Orth was a presence in the middle and Ashlee Denny was a formidable outside hitter who was also the heart and soul of the bench, always bringing the girls together.

And lets not forget Katie Reitsma, the only returner who earned all-state honors with her outstanding play this season.

We will have much more in next week’s Herald, but for now let’s just say it was another great run for another great Streeter team. Congratulations to the girls and the coaches on another exciting year of Sauk Centre volleyball. Just because we aren’t punching a ticket to St. Paul does not mean this season wasn’t successful.  There is absolutely no reason for this special group to hang their heads. 15-0 in conference. 28-4 overall. To put up those numbers with one returning starter is unbelievable, and a testament to the volleyball program and those who take the court and give nothing less than their very best. There aren’t many teams who can say they went 15-0 in conference and 28-4 overall with a bunch of girls with hardly any varsity experience. Then again, there aren’t many teams as special as this one.

Photos from Saturday's Section final: