The Dell Rapids Quarrier volleyball team were just a few points short of advancing to the next round of the Region 3A tournament. Dell Rapids fell to the Baltic Bulldogs in five sets on Tuesday, November 3rd. The set scores were 25-23, 19-25, 18-25, 25-21, and 12-15.
The first set was played close throughout its entirety. Baltic got ahead by as many as four points at 13-9 and 14-10, but that was the largest lead either team had. Dell Rapids’ largest lead was two points, and they had that as late as 24-22. Baltic pulled within a point at 24-23, but the Qurriers got the final point for the opening set win.
The Bulldogs found some momentum early in the second set. They lead 7-4 early, and then went on a 7-0 to lead 14-4. Dell Rapids was only able to pull within three points at 18-15 as Baltic was able to pull away for the 25-19 win to even the match.
Baltic again got out to an early three-to-four point lead to start the third set. The lead continued to be about four points throughout much of the game. The Bulldogs got the lead to ten points at 24-14. Dell Rapids scored four in a row to make it 24-18, but the rally ended there as Baltic won 25-18 to take a 2-1 set lead.
Even though the rally in the third set ended, the Quarriers continued that momentum into the fourth set and opened with a 6-1 run. Dell Rapids continued to build on the lead as the score reached 22-11 in favor of the Quarriers. The Bulldogs pulled within three points at 24-21, but Dell Rapids won 25-21 to force the fifth and final set of the match.
The Bulldogs rallied first and got out to a quick 5-2 lead. Dell Rapids responded with three in a row to tie the set 5-5 and then took an 8-6 lead. Baltic was able to the the set at 9-9, and the score remained tied at 10-10, 11-11, and 12-12. Baltic scored the advantage at 13-12, and that was just enough of a spark to get them the final two points for the 15-12 win to advance to the next round of the Region 3A tournament.
Kenzie Garry finished with 18 kills, four blocks, and six digs in the match. Emma VanRegenmorter had 14 kills, 12 blocks, nine digs, and two ace serves. Sophi Randall finished with 34 set assists, 12 blocks, seven digs, and two ace serves. Olivia Prasek added six blocks. Sam Price ended the night with 38 digs. Mackenzie Apland had 16 digs, Lexi Ingalls finished with 15, and Emma Molskness had 13 digs.
Dell Rapids season comes to an end with an overall record of 5-13.