The Joplin Globe, Joplin, MO

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October 31, 2009

Cougars qualify for party of four in Kansas City

From staff reports

sports@joplinglobe.com

College Heights Christian authored a chunk of history for its volleyball program on Saturday at Strafford High School.

The Class 2 Cougars, in their third try, won their first sectional match by beating El Dorado Springs 25-10, 25-14. Then, they became downright greedy.

Goin’ to Kansas City?

That’s right. CHC defeated Fair Grove 25-20, 15-25, 25-16 in the quarterfinal to qualify for the party of four next week in the MSHSAA Championships in Kansas City at Municipal Stadium.

CHC, unbeaten in the Spring River Valley Conference, will take a 27-5-2 record under Karla Gaines to Kansas City.

“I told them (the Cougars) before the third game (against Fair Grove): We have to start swinging again and play aggressively,” Gaines said. “The girls stepped up to the challenge. They really put it together as a team ... talking and encouraging each other.

“Maybe we had a little letdown after winning the first game,” Gaines said. “We weren’t as intense at swinging or serving.

“But we don’t want to take any credit from Fair Grove (34-4),” Gaines said. “Fair Grove was a strong team. They played very tough.

“I felt if everyone showed up and played strong we could get these two wins,” Gaines said. “I knew, though, we all would have to play tough.”

Leaders for CHC included Kelsi Bodine (combined 14 kills, six blocks, 21 digs), Hannah Braeckel (seven kills, three blocks, 23 digs), Makayla Fuller (three kills, two blocks, four assists), Konner McIntire (eight kills, 12 blocks, 18 digs, four aces), Kaylee Ohmart (12 kills, seven blocks, 12 digs), Hannah Snow (21 assists. 14 digs) and Missy Sterling (24 assists, 13 digs, four aces).

Bulldogs lose opener

MARSHFIELD, Mo. — Carl Junction lost 26-24, 25-15 to fourth-ranked Republic in a Class 3 sectional.

Carl Junction coach Sarah Wall said the Bulldogs built an 18-14 lead in the first game and led 24-23 before Republic pulled out the win.

“Republic today was a better team,” Wall said. “They (the Tigers) had very good ball control in the second game. They became more aggressive. They attacked the net. It threw us off balance and we didn’t recover.

“We had respect for Republic coming into the match,” Wall said. “Still, our young team didn’t quit.”

Carl Junction (19-12-2) received 15 assists and an ace from Katelyn Joyner, eight kills and a solo block from Mackenzie Valenti, five digs from Desiree Felker, four digs from Harlee Stutesman, five points from Mikenna Eberhart and one solo block from Rickie Lea Duley.

Miller goes 1-1

BILLINGS, Mo. — The Cardinals beat Galena 25-21, 25-14 before falling in the quarterfinal to perennial Class 1 power Winona 27=25, 25-18.

“The Winona defense won the match,” Miller coach Tamra Landers said. “They (the Wildcats) were quicker. ... they were all over the floor. They were so quick with a couple of amazing sophomores. Their sophomore libero was the best I’ve seen this season.

“Against Galena, we were able to play our game,” Landers said. “We never let them get into a rhythm.”

Mlller (17-13-3) received 10 digs from Emily Whitmarsh against Winona. Nicole Adams added 11 kills and Kurstine Owens 15 assists.

Adams had five blocks and seven assists against Galena. Bailey Reynolds added six kills, Owens six assists and Kaitlin Johnson eight digs.

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