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By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Rogersville, Mo. — Rogersville took another step in its quest for a Final Four return Tuesday night, downing Marshfield in straight sets to win the Class 3 District 11 championship (25-14, 25-12).
The Lady Wildcats raced out in the first set and utilized a big, 16-5 run to seize the early momentum in the match, overwhelming an error-prone Marshfield squad 25-14.
In the second set, it was Marshfield taking the early momentum.
After an opening kill from senior Emma Tibbs, the Lady Jays jumped out to an early 3-0 lead.
The celebration was short lived; however, as Rogersville quickly regrouped and ripped off the next eight points of the set behind junior Maci McHenry’s solid performance at the service line.
The Lady Wildcats’ run proved to be a backbreaker, as Marshfield was unable to recover, falling 25-12 in the match-closing set.
Rogersville head coach Tammy Miller pointed to the aggressive service game as a particular point of emphasis in the practices leading up to districts.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS OF THE MATCH
“I thought our serving was a lot better and more aggressive,” Miller said. “We maybe didn’t get the aces, but we got them out of system, which was a positive for us.”
For Marshfield (23-8-2) and head coach Kailey Bridges, preparing to play such a daunting opponent in a pressure-packed situation is no small matter. Since 2006, the Lady Wildcats have won district titles every year save for one, a 2011 loss to Mountain Grove. In addition, Rogersville finished fourth in last season’s Class 3 state tournament.
“If anything, it’s just that intimidation factor,” Bridges said. “They’ve got multiple district championships under their belt; they’re an impressive team; they’re capable of getting into teams’ heads and don’t make a lot of errors.”
Unfortunately for the Lady Blue Jays, Rogersville’s intimidation factor is backed by plenty of substance, as well.
The Lady Wildcats’ duo of senior McKenna Miller and sophomore Birdie Hendrickson came out firing on all cylinders in the final, with 20 assists and 9 kills, respectively. Senior Ashley Pitts, junior Sydney Dunavant and Hendrickson each recorded 6 digs for Rogersville, as well.
Hendrickson talked about the importance of maintaining focus on each opponent as the team moves into postseason play.
“We knew they were a really, really scrappy team,” Hendrickson said of Marshfield. “We just had to come out really aggressive and be determined to win that game. Our goal is to get to state again, and we’re really on track with where we want to be.”
Addison Crider led Marshfield with 6 kills and 8 digs, while fellow sophomore Emi Aldridge notched 11 assists.
Next up for Rogersville (29-4-1) is a sectional round matchup against Sullivan on Oct. 21.
For the Lady Wildcats to make a return trip to the Final Four, it will take nothing less than perfection, according to Miller.
“We have to play at a high, high level,” Miller said. “Serve effectively and block effectively. We have yet to play that perfect game. Are they capable of doing it … yes. Will it be hard … yes. It’s not going to be easy, but I guess if you want to go to the Final Four, you want it that way.”
Class 3 District 11 Championship: Rogersville – 2, Marshfield – 0 (25-14, 25-12)
Semifinal: Rogersville – 2, Hollister – 0 (25-9, 25-10)
Semifinal: Marshfield – 2, Reeds Spring – 0 (25-7, 25-22)
