The Dell Rapids St Mary Cardinal volleyball team returned home after two weeks on the road on Monday, October 7th. The Cardinals hosted the Castlewood Warriors for their “Dig Pink” night. St Mary excited the crowd in a straight set win by scores of 25-20, 25-21, and 25-23.
The Warriors started the first set with a 4-2 run. St Mary responded with a 4-1 run to take a 6-5 lead. The Cardinals stayed in front the rest of the first set. They extended their lead to 11-7 and continued to lead by four points at 18-14. The lead grew to 20-14 before the Cardinals won 25-20.
After an early 1-1 tie to start the second, the Cardinals went on a 9-2 run for a 10-3 advantage. That lead reached a high point of eight points, 13-5. Castlewood slowly chipped away at the lead. They got within two points, 15-13, and then tied the score 16-16. The Warriors would continue to rally to an 18-16 lead. They pushed their lead to three points, 21-18, but St Mary roared back to score the final seven points of the set to win 25-21.
Castlewood started the third set with a 3-1 lead and stayed in front for most of the way. They were able to get to a set-high six-point lead at 19-13. St Mary then rallied late. The Cardinals went on an 8-1 run to take a 21-20 lead. Castlewood would tie the score 21-21, but the Cardinals scored the next two points for a 23-21 lead. That little advantage was enough to keep St Mary in front the rest of the way to a 25-23 win.
Brianna Griffin finished with nine kills, four blocks, 19 digs, and two ace serves. Megan Geraets added eight kills and four blocks. Stephenie Geraets had three kills and seven digs. Emersyn Herber also had three kills with four blocks and four ace serves. Madala Hanson had 25 set assists and seven digs. Jodie Klein ended with 12 digs.
