By Danielle King & Chris Parker
The Winona volleyball program has called the final four home for many years. The Wildcats were making their 16th appearance in the event. Across the net was first-time participant Jasper.
While Winona started many freshmen, their confidence on the final four court shined through in a 3-0 (25-14, 25-17, 25-14) sweep of Jasper.
“It is not just like they’ve practiced this week for this moment, but they’ve practiced for their whole lives for this moment. This group truly believes that they cannot be beat,” Winona head coach Jordan Denning said.
The first set was close tied at six before Winona threw down a 7-0 run to take control of the set. The Wildcats closed the set on a 20-8 run to claim the 25-14 victory.
The second set saw Winona jump out to a 4-0 early extending out to a 10-point lead at 21-11 before closing it out 25-17.
Winona started the second set on a 3-0 run. After taking a 4-1 lead, Jasper never got closer than three for the rest of set on the way to a 25-14 deciding set win for Winona.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS OF THE MATCH
The Winona gameplan revolved around stopping all-state hitter Crystal Smith.
“We knew Crystal Smith is an excellent hitter, so when she is on back row it is go time,” Denning said. “When she was on back row we cleaned up our defense and our hitters put the ball away. That was our gameplan and our girls stuck with it.”
Their plan worked to perfection. Smith came in averaging 6.1 kills per set. Winona held Smith to nine kills total for the match which was half her set average.
Sadie Kile led Winona with 11 kills. Lexe Lindsey led the Wildcats in assists (26) and digs (14).
Winona now will play in the program’s 10th state championship match looking for the program’s sixth state title.
Some of the players from those previous teams will be sitting in the stands watching with interest as their children try to bring their own state championship hardware home.
“It is not just our moment. These are their parents’ moments too. They have waited for this moment since they have been here. We have so many moms that made it to the final four with coach (Francie) McBride and they are loving every minute of it,” Denning said.
CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO OF THE MATCH
Winona will face Advance in the in the state title game. The two teams met in the Dig For Life Tournament in Cape Girardeau on Sept. 14. The Wildcats won the match 2-0 (25-23, 25-12).
“I think there will be some nerves,” Denning said. “We have played Advance before. The first set was close, and we took them the second set. We know that just because you beat a team once doesn’t mean that it is a given.”
Winona (33-3-2) will face Advance (23-11-2) in the Class 1 state championship at noon on Saturday in Cape Girardeau.
