HAYSVILLE, Kan. – After what was already a super successful campaign with a 15-0 regular season finish, the McPherson Middle School 8th Grade volleyball team capped it with a 4-0 finish at the Patriot League North tournament on Saturday.
McPherson opened the day with a tough match against Augusta, but ultimately they won in straight sets 30-28 and 26-24. They were behind 24-17 in the second set, but stellar serving by Elin Schmidt and great team play all around helped them come back.
The second match was easier as the Bullpups picked up a 25-10, 25-13 win over Haysville West.
In the semis, the Bullpups beat Circle 25-14 and 25-23. The first set saw great serving from Cayson Harlin and Luci Redden and solid defense. After a tough start in the second set, kills from Leah Jackson and Cali Melton and a great defensive effort from Hayden Allen helped the Bullpups come back and finish off the match.
In the championship match, McPherson faced Prairie Hills. After a 25-22 loss in the first set, they came back strong in the second set led by Redden with strong serves and four kills. Middles Kayleigh Dilli and Melton were a great presence at the net as well in the 25-19 set two win. The third set went in the way of the Bullpups 15-8 as they had great play from setters Hayden Vogelsberg and Elin Schmidt, as was the case throughout the day. Macie Reinwald, Harlin and Allen had some great plays in the back row, saving crucial points in the final set.
“The Bullpups came away with a hard-fought win and capped off a beautiful season today,” said head coach Christine Pianalto. “I’ve been so grateful to coach such an upbeat and enthusiastic Bullpup team this year! I’m so looking forward to watching them continue in their athletic journeys throughout the remainder of 8th grade, and to see what they can do next year at MHS.”
Saturday’s 4-0 performance brought the McPherson 8A record to 19-0 to finish the season.
