Cougars place 2nd
Staff writers
In its first tournament of the season at Centre, the Marion high school volleyball team refused to lose, going 10-0. In a rematch with Centre in the finals, they finished with two 25-13 victories.
The Warriors dominated most of the day, only allowing more than 20 points twice.
In pool play, Marion defeated Rural Vista 25-12 and 25-16; Northfield 25-5 and 25-10; and Centre 25-23 and 25-14.
Centre emerged from pool play 2-1 after defeating Northfield 25-6 and 25-10 and Rural Vista 25-22 and 25-22, and losing to Marion.
The Warriors beat Herington in the semifinals 25-21 and 25-15. Centre beat Little River in three sets, 26-28, 25-16, and 25-21, resulting in the rematch with Marion and a second-place finish.
Named to the all-tournament team were senior Katey Ehrlich and sophomore Kirsten Hansen of Marion and junior Shelby Makovec and senior Bryanna Svoboda of Centre.
Marion head coach Deanna Thierolf said her girls played with a lot of intensity and emotion.
“It was fun to sit back and watch them play together as a team,” she said.
Centre coach Yvonne Burhoop was proud of how well her team played. She played just six players for most of their 11 games.
“When they got down, they were able to pull it back together and improve their play,” she said. “The last match of the day was tough because the girls went three sets with Little River just before the finals, and they were tired.”
Centre will play in Marion’s own tournament Saturday at USD 408 Sports Aquatic Center.
On the road
Centre split matches Sept. 3 at Canton Galva and Sept. 10 at Elyria Christian, winning one and losing one at each meet.
After the tournament, Centre’s record was 5-4.