SHS volleyball team posts historic win over Bernie

Wednesday, September 4, 2002

BERNIE -- Sikeston opened the 2002 volleyball season on a high note Tuesday night, beating area powerhouse Bernie on the road in three sets.

It's the first time the Lady Bulldogs have defeated Bernie in recent memory, if not the first time ever.

"It's the first time in recent history for sure," said Sikeston coach Steve Beydler. "From what I've been told, it's the first time ever, but I can't say for sure. It's quite an accomplishment, especially in Bernie."

Sikeston was led by seniors Emily Slaten and Joy Daniel. Slaten served up 12 points with two aces and had two kills on offense.

Daniel recorded 12 kills and three blocks, serving 14 points with four aces.

"Those are my two most experienced varsity players," said Beydler. "Those are my go-to people. When she's setting, Emily usually has Joy to set to. The two of them play really well together."

Sikeston had to come from behind to pull out the win. In the first set, the Lady Bulldogs saw an 11-7 lead disappear.

"I could tell our girls were a little overconfident and a little too excited," said Beydler. "I asked them to settle down, but basically Bernie calmed them down. They came in with two servers in a row who really stymied us."

Sikeston lost the first set 14-16, but came back and dominated the second, winning 15-6. In the third and final set, Sikeston jumped out to a big lead, only to see the Lady Mules come back to tie the score 13-13.

"I basically put it out to them, 'Do you want to win this match, or do you want to start the season once again at 0-1?,'" said Beydler. "They went out and finished it off."

Sikeston went on to win the match 15-13, ending a lengthy streak of season-opening losses.

"A lot of people will say Bernie is down this year," said Beydler. "But Bernie is still Bernie. They are a good defensive team. They don't let very much hit the floor. The only thing I see that they lack is a superstar like they normally have, someone they can go to when they need points."

Rachael Vining served nine points with three aces. Maggie Pfefferkorn and Erin Box each served four points, followed by Paige Kaiser with three and Lindsey Davis with one. On offense, Vining had four kills and Kaiser had three. Tara Schumacher and Berneatress Hunt each contributed two. Hunt also had two blocks.

"I really hesitate to point any person out, because this was a total team effort," said Beydler. "I'm extremely happy with everybody that played tonight."

Sikeston lost the junior varsity game in two sets, 8-15, 6-15. The jayvee will compete in the Bernie Tournament on Thursday and Friday. Sikeston's varsity will play next Tuesday at the SEMO Conference Tournament in Sikeston.

SCOTT CITY -- Charleston dropped its first game of the season on Tuesday, losing to Scott City in straight sets, 10-15, 8-15.

"The varsity held their own, especially in the second game," said Charleston coach Amanda Broshuis. "We've got such a young team, only one senior, and the program is only in its sixth year. Scott City has been playing forever."

In the first match, Charleston saw one Scott City server score nine in a row, which led to the 10-15 loss. The Lady Bluejays took a 5-0 lead in the second match, but let the Lady Rams come back and pull out a 15-8 win.

"The main thing was passing and serves," explained Broshuis. "(Scott City) has a very low ceiling compared to our gym. The girls don't have much court experience, and we were hitting the ceiling."

Jessica Harvell was a bright spot for the Lady Bluejays, serving six points and three aces. Sleater Quinn served five points with one ace.

On offense, Angie Clark provided four kills and Beth Medlock had three assists.

Charleston (0-1) will travel to Oran on Thursday.

ESSEX -- Twin Rivers defeated Richland's volleyball team in three sets Tuesday night, 15-5, 13-15, 15-10.

"We didn't come out very strong in the first one, but we played pretty hard in the second and third," said Richland coach Laura Dejournett. "The third one was neck-and-neck until the end. It was our first game and everybody was nervous."

Richland (0-1) will host Gideon on Thursday.

SENATH -- Portageville's volleyball team lost its first match of the season in three sets to Senath-Hornersville on Tuesday.

The Lady Bulldogs lost the first set 6-15, won the second 15-12, then dropped the third 11-15.

The Lady Bulldogs (0-1) will host Hayti on Thursday.

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