LeBlond, Miller win state volleyball championships

The final day of the Missouri State High School Activities Association volleyball championships last Saturday saw one school continue its dominance at the state final four while another school claimed its first state title in school history at the Show Me Center.

In the Class Two final, Hermann dispatched Bishop LeBlond (27-10-1) in straight sets to win their 15th volleyball title. This is the most titles won by a school in championship history. 

The Bearcats (31-5-1) took control early in the match and took the first game 25-18 on the power of 15 kills on 46 total attacks. Hermann then put their game in cruise control to take the second set 25-14 and closed out the match with a 25-17 win to grab their third title in four years. Holly Heldt paced the Bearcat attack with 17 kills and 11 digs while Cydney Moeckli had a double-double of her own with 35 assists and 11 digs of her own. Kianna Herrera and Paige Perry each had seven kills with Kyla Conard adding 17 helpers to pace the Golden Eagles.

Jefferson (Festus) defeated Skyline 25-17, 25-19, and 25-19 to claim third place and bring home its first state trophy in volleyball.

Miller won its first state championship in the Class One title game by sweeping Gideon 25-15, 25-20, and 25-18. 

The Cardinals (34-3-1) raced out to an early lead in the first set and saw their pressure on offense take control with 64 total attacks. Gideon (32-2-1) battled back in the second game, but Miller went on a run at the end of the set to take a 2-0 lead. The Cardinals used 14 kills in the final game to close out the match to win its first volleyball title. Haylie Schnake led the way for Miller with 11 kills and 15 digs while Addison Stockton had 25 digs to aid the Cardinals offense. Hope Raymond and Kaitlyn Clenney each had 12 kills for the Bulldogs with Malerie Sharp added 27 helpers in the match.

In the Class One third place match, Santa Fe defeated South Iron 3-1.