VB: MP knocked out by W. Branch

The Mid-Prairie Golden Hawks volleyball team lost in first round regional action at West Branch Tuesday, October 20. They lost to the Bears in five games, 25-23, 23-25, 22-25, 25-16, 7-15.
After winning the first game and losing the next two by very narrow margins, the Golden Hawks took charge of game four, pulling ahead steadily after a 14-14 tie.
The Bears took charge in game five for the win.
Mid-Prairie coach Lindsay Quigley said, “The team got better and better as the season progressed. We had some young girls on the team who stepped up and completed the team.
“We are a fighting team…we never gave up and we worked for every point. Even though Tuesday against West Branch victory wasn’t in our favor, we still battled for every point. We took them to five games, and we made them work for that victory. We didn’t give up and we fought.
West Branch worked hard and battle with us and in the end they finished.”
Mid-Prairie loses five seniors. Coach Quigley said, “We improved every game and practice. I have some great senior leaders on this team. Not only are they the leaders on the team, but very talented and passionate group of girls.
“My young players stepped up and made us a more competitive team. They are very talented and only got better and better in practice and games. They will be a solid group to watch next year.
“I am very proud of my squad for working work in practice, competing with teams and working and having fun together as a team.
“Ending the season fifth in the conference tournament was a great finish.”
West Branch coach Tom Burger was impressed with Mid-Prairie’s tenacity. He said, “We knew that we had to play. You’ve got to give credit to Mid-Prairie. They gave us fits all night.”
Mid-Prairie stats: Kelsey Fuhr 22 kills, 3 blocks; Kendra Kramer 15 kills, 5 blocks; Kate Yoder 37 assists; Brittnee Stumpf 5 assists, 2 kills; Kelsie Berg 19 digs, solid defense; Jessica Schrock: good defense; Olivia Lugar 3 ace serves.