The Joplin Globe, Joplin, MO

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October 29, 2012

Pierce City falls short of volleyball state semifinals

By Anvil Welch Globe Sports Writer

Pierce City eliminated Lockwood in a clash of Spring River Valley Conference teams in the sectional round of the MSHSAA Class 1 volleyball playoffs last Saturday at Rich Hill.

But the Eagles, for the second straight season, lost in the quarterfinals to fall short of the round robin semifinals this week at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau.

Osceola, which has considerable postseason tradition, ousted Pierce City 25-23, 20-25, 25-19.

Pierce City defeated Lockwood 25-9, 25-19 and Osceola beat Rich Hill 25-14, 25-14 in sectionals.

It was the second win of the season for Pierce City (22-10-4) against Lockwood. But the Tigers and College Heights shared the SRVC crown at 8-1 with Pierce City third at 7-2.

Said Pierce City coach Alison Davis: “We worked hard in preparing for Lockwood. The girls really wanted the victory. We played very well.”

Osceola, 26-10, will be making its fifth appearance in the semifinals under Ozark High School graduate Shannon Schrock. The Indians have finished second, third, fourth and third in previous trips for Schrock.

Added Davis: “Osceola was a smart, talented team. But we don’t have any regrets. We had a blast this season. I’m not disappointed at all in how the girls played.

“It’s hard for a senior to walk off the floor that last time,” Davis said. “But, from my standpoint, the seniors gave all they could. They played with their hearts and gave it their all.”

Said Schrock of the third set: “Pierce City had two outstanding tall players. We were able to get some touches on their blocks. I thought our sophomore outside hitter, Brooke Wilson, had an incredible match. Momentum, again, was a key.”

Lockwood finished 17-13-1 under Jamie Roschevitz.

“Pierce City played a good match,” Roschevitz said. “Maybe we weren’t completely mentally prepared. Most of our players hadn’t played in such an important match. We’d lost in a district final last season.

“We played much better in the second set (against Pierce City),” Roschevitz said. “But it was too late.”

Lockwood leaders against Pierce City, Roschevitz said, included Madison Coose (two blocks), Samantha Niehoff (13 assists), Tristen Patterson (seven kills) and Brianne Schmiegelow (six digs).

Pierce City’s splendid effort in 2011, in Davis’ first season at the helm, came in Class 2.

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