Meridian Hangs Tough At State Tournament

After a year full of volleyball, the Meridian Mustangs found themselves in the state tournament. From the previous year Meridian would bow out in the first round.This year proved to be a different story.In the first round against Stuart, everything that could have gone wrong in the first set, went wrong and then some as Meridian would find themselves down 10 points no more than 10 minutes into the match.However Meridian had showed great spirit and grit in that game battling back to even at 21-21, but would lose the first set 23-25.The loss seemingly woke up Meridian, as they would then find their rhythm and didn’t look back as they would take the next three sets winning 25-20, 25-17 and 25-21 to capture the first round victory against Stuart on Thursday, Nov. 2.As the number three seed Meridian would find themselves going against number two seed Overton on Nov. 3.A hot start for Meridian in the first set, but unfortunately that lead would quickly evaporate as Meridian couldn’t get back on track and would be swept 16-25, 14-25, and 17-25.With the loss the Mustangs found themselves facing number five seed Wynot on Nov. 4 for third place. Meridian was able to come out strong and pull of the first set 25-22 victory, but would not have another. The second set was a battle that scored into the 30s as Meridian lost that 31-33, would lose the third set 23-25, and then the fourth set 18-25 bringing their season to a close taking their place in the top five among state with fourth.From the state tournament, top performances throughout for Meridian came by the efforts of the following: Jaala Stewart was able to lead the attack up front as she finished with 40 kills. Stewart also led the team with digs 84 digs, dished out six assists, had four blocks and served up four aces.Kaira Niederklein was able to come away with seven kills, six aces served, two blocks, 49 digs, and passing wise led the team with 86 assists. McKenzie Hofstetter proved to be a valuable option as she was able to get 24 kills, had seven aces, six blocks, and 26 digs.Jaylee Sobotka also contributed well up front with 25 kills, had six aces served, came up with 16 digs, and had four blocks. Braxtyn Rut had a hand in a bit of everything as she was able to get 57 digs, one block, served four aces, while also getting 11 kills and along with Kendall Filipi, who was a solid hand in the back as she racked up 62 digs.Despite the loss, Meridian can hang their head proudly on the winning record of 26-7.

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