The Dell Rapids St Mary Cardinal volleyball team may have won in straight sets, but they had to rally in each of them to get the win on Tuesday, September 24th over the Howard Tigers. The Cardinals won by set scores of 25-20, 27-25, and 25-15.
St Mary found themselves trailing 10-8 early in the first set. They would tie the score 10-10, but the Tigers regained the advantage. Howard held a one-point lead over the next few points, up to 17-16. The Cardinals tied the score 18-18, and then went on a 4-1 run to take a 22-19 lead. St Mary would finish the set with a 3-1 run for the 25-20 win.
Howard got out to a quick lead, 4-1, to start the second set. St Mary got within a point, 5-4, but the Tigers went on a 5-3 run to extend their lead to 10-7. The lead got to four points, 13-9, for Howard before St Mary went on a 5-1 run to tie the score 14-14. The Cardinals would hold an 18-17 lead only to see the Tigers score three straight to go back in front 20-18. St Mary would again tie the score 21-21 and then go ahead 23-21. The Cardinals were one point away from winning the set, 24-23, but Howard tied the score to force extra time. The score was tied again 25-25, and then St Mary scored the next two points for the 27-25 win.
The Cardinals trailed again early in the third set. Howard held leads of 5-4 and 8-7. St Mary then went on a 6-0 run to take a 13-8 lead. This time the Cardinals would not lose the lead. They continued their five-point advantage to scores of 18-13 and 20-15 before ending the match on a 5-0 run.
Brianna Griffin finished with six kills and 21 digs. Megan Geraets had five kills and five blocks. Madala Hanson added 25 set assists and three ace serves. Jodie Klein had 22 digs. Harper Werdel had three blocks, and Stephenie Geraets had three set assists.
