MHS volleyball: Lady Owls eliminated by Grain Valley

Even with six kills from senior Morgan Ryther (17), the Lady Owls couldn't get past Grain Valley. (Chris Allen/Democrat-News) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

EXCELSIOR SPRINGS -- It ended Wednesday for the seven seniors on the Marshall volleyball team.

The Lady Owls lost for the third time this season, in the closest match of the three, in the semifinal round of the Class 3, District 15 Tournament at Excelsior Springs, 25-22, 26-24.

"I'm heartbroken for them," remarked MHS head coach Gentry Lark. "But they played hard. These girls gave their team everything."

The first match was nip and tuck the whole way, while the second one began well for Marshall as senior Kim Deutsch served up five straight points.

The Lady Owls were in front, 23-19, but then a couple of serve-receive errors put them back on their heels.

"We about had it," Lark said. "I thought we were going to win the first game, too."

It didn't happen for Marshall, nor for the Lady Eagles (21-7-3), who saw their most successful season end with a 25-17, 29-27 loss to defending champion Excelsior Springs.

Senior Morgan Ryther and junior Becca Keller led the Lady Owls with six kills each, Keller also topping the squad with six digs and Ryther serving a pair of aces.

Deutsch made five saves, senior Kate Hartley dropping in two aces and senior Aubrie Plummer assisted 16 of Marshall's 21 kills.

Although they lose a lot of experience, the Lady Owls (13-15-2) bring back a solid core around Keller, junior Susan Skogsberg and sophomores Haley Witcher, Ariel Smith and Taylor Ervin.

"Next year is going to be exciting," Lark declared. "Just take it one practice at a time and hope we can put everything together."