Photo taken and used with permission by Tammy Chamley
The Dell Rapids St Mary Cardinals started their 2022 season on the road at the Alcester-Hudson Cubs on Thursday, August 25th. The Cardinals won the match in straight sets by scores of 25-21, 25-21, and 25-22.
Each of the three sets contained a run by one or both of the teams. The Cardinals made the first run in the opening set. After a 3-3 tie, St Mary scored six straight for a 9-3 lead. They continued to be in front at 13-9, but the Cubs took the lead, 15-13, after six straight of their own. The Cardinals responded with five in a row to retake the lead 18-15. The momentum shifted back to Alcester-Hudson as they then scored five in a row to go ahead 20-18. St Mary then tied the set 20-20. The Cubs scored the next point, but St Mary scored five in a row to win the first set.
Photo taken and used with permission by Tammy Chamley
The second set started with the Cubs taking a 7-3 lead. St Mary went on a 6-0 run for a 9-7 advantage. They pushed that lead to 17-10. The Cubs made a couple of runs and eventually pulled within a point at 22-21, but the Cardinals scored the final three points to go ahead 2-0.
The Cardinals started the third set with five straight points for an early 5-0 lead. Alcester-Hudson tied the set 8-8. St Mary regained the lead 15-11, but the Cubs tied the score again at 17-17. The two teams traded the next couple of points, and the score was still tied 19-19. St Mary then finished the match on a 6-3 advantage for the win.
Ella Griffin had a team-high 11 kills in the match along with two ace serves. Brianna Griffin finished with six kills and five digs. Maya Heinitz added five kills, eight digs, and five ace serves. Jaycee Tebay and Megan Geraets both had three blocks each. Brianna Lindeman finished with 23 set assists, four digs, and two ace serves. Josie Baumberger had six digs and two ace serves.
The Cardinals (1-0) will be at the Estelline tournament on Saturday, August 28th.
**Photos taken and used with permission by Tammy Chamley**
