Stew-Stras won their first round match in straight games at the 8-2A Mt. Pulaski State Volleyball Tournament on Saturday, 25-12, 25-14, then lost the semifinal, 25-23, 25-20, while Shelbyville Moulton faded in their first round, 3-game set at the 8-3A Riverton State Tournament, 26-24, 18-25, 15-25.
Stew-Stras advanced to play in the semifinals later on Saturday, while Shelbyville went home. Stew-Stras made it into the Final Four and was guaranteed a medal. With their semifinal loss, they will play in the 3rd Place game at Mt. Pulaski at 6 p.m.
"This was a tough match of ups and down for us," said Ram coach Brittany Pierce. "The girls came out and played well in game 1. The girls hustled and played as a team, staying focused and keeping the momentum. We began to struggle on serve receive in game 2 and had a hard time getting a good pass to our setter.
"Downs Tri-Valley got the momentum and we just struggled to get it back. We had entirely too many unforced errors in game 2 and 3, with net calls, hitting balls out of bounds, and sending Downs free ball after free ball. We simply gave them too many opportunities, whereas we struggled to even take swings because of our passing.
"These girls had an awesome season and they all improved so much. I am very, very proud of what they have accomplished. I know they will have a bright future."
Shelbyville finished 17-6 in the 8-3A State Elite Eight.
Riverton 8-3A State
Downs Tri-Valley def. Shelbyville Moulton, 24-26, 25-18, 25-15
Ram stats: Lindsey Eigsti 12 points, 4 aces, 12 assists, 6 digs; Kayla Brachbill 12 points, 1 ace, 3 kills, 5 digs; Brandy Smith 7 kills, 1 block, 6 digs; Julia Bolinger 9 points, 1 ace, 1 dig; Alexis Halbrook 3 points; Briana Ruff 4 points, 1 assist, 5 digs; Morgan Voyles 7 points, 1 ace, 5 kills, 4 digs; Morgan Lawrence 2 points, 1 kill, 5 digs; Amanda Sprague 6 points, 2 digs; Sandra Williams 4 points, 2 aces, 1 dig.
Mt. Pulaski 8-2A State
Stew-Stras def. Elmwood, 25-12, 25-14
8-2A Semifinal
Colchester West Prairie def. Stew-Stras, 25-23, 25-20.
*Watch for web updates with the complete story, stats and photos.
