Staff writer
The junior high school Tri-County League volleyball tournament was Thursday at Centre High School.
The Centre Junior High School team was seeded fourth in the tournament, and defeated third-seeded Prairie Heights for third place. Second-seeded Luckey of Manhattan defeated first-seeded Hope to win the championship.
In their first match in pool play, the Lady Cougars defeated St. Xavier in two games, 25-12 and 25-17.
Strong serving by Anna Weber and good spikes from Genesis Rudolph contributed to the win.
In the second match of the day against Prairie Heights, Centre was defeated 25-14 in the first game, but dominated the second game to win 25-14.
Powerful serves by Bryanna Svoboda helped the team to maintain its lead.
Cacey Simons served for six serves to win the third game, 15-9, and giving Centre the match.
Advancing out of pool play, the Lady Cougars faced Flint Hills of Manhattan. They won the match in two games, 25-17 and 25-13.
They then faced Luckey for a chance to advance to the championship match.
They fell behind early in the first game and lost, 25-16.
They were much more competitive in the second game, taking a 16-11 lead at one point.
However,w errors cost them, and a determined Luckey team fought back until they tied the game, 21-21, and went on to win, 25-21.
The consolation match was their fifth match of the day, but the tired Lady Cougars didn’t give up.
They put their best foot forward and defeated Prairie Heights in two games, 25-19 and 25-20.
It was a satisfying end to a successful season.
The team was coached by instructor Pat Schoenhofer and assisted by senior Leann Pankratz.