The Bluejays Finish Their Season at State Volleyball
By Lydia Cone
After defeating the Central City Bison to secure a spot in the state tournament on Saturday, October 31, the Bluejay volleyball team prepared to face the Aurora Huskies in the first round.
“Going into the state tournament, I had a mix of emotions. I felt comfortable knowing I had competed at PBA before for basketball, but I also felt a little nervous because volleyball and basketball are two very different sports. I think we went in prepared and confident, but unfortunately, it just wasn't our day,” junior outside hitter Kyndal Werner stated.
The Bluejays faced an early deficit, dropping the first two sets, both with a score of 25-20. However, they responded in the third set, finding their rhythm offensively and taking the set 25-12. Pierce then fell in the fourth set with a score of 22-25.
Nora Herian led the team in kills with 22, followed by Kyndal Werner with 10, Lydia Cone and Kayton Werner with four each, and Adrienne Riggert with three.
Josie Painter led the team in digs with 11, followed by N. Herian with 10, Ky. Werner with nine, Riggert with seven, Kenzi Nygren with six, and Cone with five.
Cone led the team in blocks with six, followed by Riggert with five, Ka. Werner with four, Alayna Herian with three, and N. Herian with two.
Ky. Werner tallied three aces on the day, N. Herian added two, and Painter and Riggert both added one.
“I’m very proud of this group for all of their accomplishments this year. It was a team full of hardworking, high-character individuals who deserved all the success in the world. I’m sad we fell short of our final goal, but one match does not define a season,” head coach Zach Weber said.
Despite falling short of their goal at the state tournament, Pierce’s season was stacked up with major accomplishments. They finished the regular season as conference champions before claiming the conference tournament title against Guardian Angels Central Catholic.
Pierce closed out their season with a 30-4 record, including 29 sweeps.
