The magical season continues for the Saxony Lutheran volleyball team.
The Crusaders swept Scott City 3-0 in the Class 2, District 2 championship (25-20, 25-14, 25-21) to claim its third straight district title on Tuesday at Saxony Lutheran High School.
For first year coach Stephanie Brown the moment was surreal when the clinching point hit the floor.
“It’s a great feeling and I’m super proud of the girls because they work so hard and they truly deserve it.”
The victory has a little more meaning than most because the Crusaders set the school record of wins in a season (25) on top of the district title.
“I did not know that until after the game,” Brown said. “That is pretty exciting and special. I just feel like the whole season has been surreal. It’s been a great experience with these girls. It is always a team effort when we win.”
Senior Josey Wahlers and junior Clara Brune led the way with eight kills apiece, while adding five and four blocks respectively on the defensive side of the net. Sophomore Isabel Brown had 14 assists and Landre Hoehne added 11.
Defensively Callie king had 14 digs and Anna Mueller added 10.
Despite the fact that the Crusaders claimed the victory in the minimum three sets, the win did not come easy. Scott City (24-11-3) had Saxony down five or six points at times in sets.
Scott City gave us all that we wanted,” Brown said. “They came out ready to play, but the girls persevered and they showed resilience and came back and won the sets anyway.”
Brown also complimented both student sections for a great game atmosphere.
“Scott City students were loud, but our students showed us great support throughout the match. It was great to see the school come out and I think that gave us motivation .”
Saxony Lutheran started the season 13-0-1 and Brown noted that from the beginning of the year she felt like her team could do something special.
The special season only continues that has seen the Crusaders claim the Dig for Life Tournament in September.
“The girls have always had this on their minds,” Brown said. “They have goals and this was one of many that they have been trying to accomplish all season long.”
Scott City will graduate four seniors to graduation in Avarie O’Brien, Liza Dannenmueller, Jennifer Groves and Grace Glasser.
Although the Rams (24-11-3) lose four players to graduation, they’ll return a majority of their core group for next year. Henry believes having the opportunity to play for a district title will be beneficial for her returning players.
Saxony (25-8-3) will take on Portageville (21-10-1) at Saxony Lutheran High School at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday.
Portageville swept East Prairie 3-0 on Tuesday in the Class 2, District 1 title game. The two teams did not play each other in the regular season, but Brown is confident in her group to keep the season going.
Saxony fell to Jefferson R-7 last year in the sectional round. The Crusaders are searching for its first trip to the quarterfinals and beyond this season.
“This group is determined to make this season one to remember,” she said.
