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:
