Mabel-Canton Falls In Section Title Game
The Mabel-Canton Cougars knew they had a tall task ahead of them heading into the Section 1A Finals, and a State Tournament berth on the line. The Medford Tigers just made a couple more plays as they took down the Mabel-Canton Cougars 3-1.
The Tigers utilized their size in the middle early in the first set to build a lead but the Cougars had plenty of fight in them. During the match, you could tell it was two very evenly matched teams battle on the court. The Cougars made their run and the teams traded points back and forth until they were tied up at 24. The Tigers were able to snag the last two points and get the 26-24 win in Set 1.
Set 2 saw the Tigers start fast again and take the second set 25-21. The Cougars made some big plays in the second, but the play of middles of Kinsey Cronin and outside hitter Emma Kniefel was just too much for the Cougars to handle.
The 3rd set was great for the Cougars as they came out full of energy and prepared to take the set and force a fourth. Maddy Michels and Sarina Stortz were fantastic in the middle, and the back row of Lexi Thorson and Hannah Snell were digging everything to keep the volleyball alive and a 25-18 win.
The 4th set saw the two teams diving all over the floor and everything was playable. Kenidi McCabe, Lauren Wyffells and more were excellent in this set, but the defense of the Tigers was just too much to handle. They were able to get a couple of long volleys to go their way and secure a 25-21 win and a trip to state.
It was a great season for Mabel-Canton that saw them secure 30 wins and a trip to the section final.
KFIL Subway Player of the Game - Maddy Michels
Kingsley Mercantile Game Ball - Lexi Thorson